Liverpool’s disputed triumph over arch-enemies Everton “seemed unjust,” according to Everton’s defender James Tarkowski.
In the first half, Ashley Young of Everton was shown the red card for accumulating two yellows. Yet, referee Craig Pawson opted not to do the same for Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate.
Everton’s manager Sean Dyche labeled the decision “astounding,” while Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp conceded his team got a fortunate break.
With the numerical upper hand, Mohamed Salah netted twice in the second half, sealing a 2-0 win for Liverpool in this Premier League face-off.
Controversial officiating by Craig Pawson emerged as the central issue of the heated Merseyside derby held at Anfield. Pawson sent Young off for fouling Luis Diaz twice, but refrained from giving Konate a second yellow card for fouling Beto, despite already being booked.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pawson awarded Liverpool a contentious penalty, judging Michael Keane to have illegally used his hand to play the ball after reviewing the incident with VAR on the pitchside monitor.
“It didn’t feel like a level playing field,” Tarkowski, acting as the temporary captain, told TNT Sport. “We were down a man, they got a questionable penalty— which, honestly, didn’t look like one to me.
“Their guy should’ve seen red too. They even pulled him out of the game to spare him. The game felt tilted, we were penalized and they capitalized late.
“I got a yellow in the first half for a midfield foul because I was ‘out of position,’ according to the ref. But Konate does the same and escapes without a booking? Where’s the consistency?” Tarkowski questioned.
Everton’s Rocky Start and Manager’s Outrage
Liverpool momentarily claimed the top spot on the Premier League table with this win, only for reigning champions Manchester City to overtake them later in the day by defeating Brighton.
Everton’s season thus far has been less than stellar, with only two wins in their first nine matches. Dyche, the team’s boss, was livid over the officiating.
“I’m tired of approaching the VAR screen. The outcome is almost certain every time; the ref’s going to listen to the voice in his earpiece,” he said.
As for Konate’s non-dismissal, Dyche added, “I’m baffled. Even the referee couldn’t provide a satisfactory explanation. And props to Klopp; he knew he dodged a bullet and subbed Konate off immediately.”
“I don’t usually gripe about officiating, but this one was beyond the pale. I even got carded for basically doing what everyone else in the stadium was doing—expressing disbelief. That’s just ludicrous,” Dyche concluded.
Pundits Weigh In
Ex-England star Rio Ferdinand opined that Liverpool “dodged a bullet,” while former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock called it a “grotesque” decision. Ally McCoist, the former Scotland striker, lamented the “glaring inconsistency” in officiating.
Jurgen Klopp, in his conversation with TNT Sports, said, “We might’ve lucked out with Konate not getting a second yellow. I get Everton’s gripe, but hey, that’s football for you.”
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Merseyside derby controversy
What was the final score between Liverpool and Everton?
The final score was 2-0 in favor of Liverpool.
Who scored the goals for Liverpool?
Mohamed Salah scored both goals for Liverpool in the second half.
Why was Everton’s Ashley Young sent off?
Ashley Young was shown a red card for accumulating two yellow cards in the first half.
What was the controversy surrounding Ibrahima Konate?
Ibrahima Konate of Liverpool was not shown a second yellow card for a foul, despite already being on a yellow. This led to claims of inconsistent officiating.
What did Everton’s James Tarkowski say about the game?
James Tarkowski said the game “seemed unjust” and questioned the referee’s consistency in decision-making.
What was Sean Dyche’s reaction to the officiating?
Everton manager Sean Dyche labeled the refereeing decisions “astounding” and “ludicrous,” expressing frustration over what he perceived as inconsistent calls.
What did Jurgen Klopp have to say about the game?
Jurgen Klopp admitted that Liverpool might have been lucky, particularly with regard to Konate not receiving a second yellow card.
Did the result affect the Premier League standings?
Yes, Liverpool briefly went top of the table with this win, but were later overtaken by Manchester City.
What do the pundits say about the game?
Ex-England star Rio Ferdinand thought Liverpool “dodged a bullet,” former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock called it a “grotesque” decision, and Ally McCoist lamented the “glaring inconsistency” in officiating.
What was the controversial penalty decision about?
Referee Craig Pawson awarded Liverpool a contentious penalty, judging that Everton’s Michael Keane had handled the ball in the box. This decision was also met with debate and frustration.
What is the Merseyside Derby?
The Merseyside Derby is a football match between Liverpool and Everton, two clubs based in Liverpool, England. It’s one of the most heated and celebrated rivalries in English football.
More about Merseyside derby controversy
- Official Premier League Match Summary
- TNT Sport’s Interview with James Tarkowski
- Sean Dyche’s Post-Match Comments
- Jurgen Klopp’s Post-Match Interview
- Video Highlights of the Merseyside Derby
- Manchester City vs Brighton Match Summary
- VAR in the Premier League: An Overview
- The History of the Merseyside Derby
- Rio Ferdinand’s Analysis on the Game
- Stephen Warnock’s Take on the Controversy
- Ally McCoist’s Comments on Officiating
10 comments
Seriously? A red for Young and nothing for Konate? Cmon, where’s the fair play?
Ah, the good old days when players settled scores on the field, not through VAR and referee debates.
Not gonna lie, we dodged a bullet with Konate. But hey, that’s football. You win some, you lose some.
Klopp saying “we might’ve lucked out” is the understatement of the century. they knew they were lucky.
Dyche fuming is a mood. VAR needs a serious look at, inconsistencies are ruining the game!!
Salah though… the guy’s a machine. Two goals, despite all the drama. respect.
Does anyone else think that the refs are more biased towards the big clubs? Seems like a trend to me.
Man, Tarkowski’s got a point. that ref’s decisions were all over the place. Liverpool got lucky, no doubt.
Interesting to see how one game can change Premier League standings so fast. Man City must be laughing now.
This Merseyside derby was more like a drama series than a soccer match lol. So much controversy, kept me on the edge of my seat tho.