Doucoure ‘stupid’ as ex-PGMOL chief reacts to shock Everton v Liverpool drama
Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent off after sparking a melee at the end of Everton’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night.
James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equaliser rounded off an incredible final Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
Beto put Everton ahead early on versus Liverpool before Alexis MacAllister equalised not long after and Mohamed Salah put the Reds on course for victory in the second half.
However, after a lengthy VAR check deep into stoppage time, Tarkowski’s goal was allowed to stand – and that sent Goodison into an absolute frenzy.
After the final whistle blew, 32-year-old Everton ace Doucoure went over to the Liverpool fans to celebrate in front of them, leading to an angry reaction by Curtis Jones, who also got sent off.
Keith Hackett backs Michael Oliver after Everton v Liverpool bust-up
Former Premier League and FIFA-listed referee Keith Hackett has slammed Doucoure for his actions after the game ended.
Not only did the former Mali international get himself sent off, but his actions also led to angry scenes in the away end at Goodison Park with Liverpool fans seemingly throwing objects onto the pitch.
Jones was sent off while Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards.
Hackett backed Oliver’s decision-making late on.
“Doucoure rather stupidly decided to celebrate in front of the Liverpool spectators and that sparked a confrontation,” Hackett told Goodison News.
“He rightly received a second yellow and, therefore, a red card from Michael Oliver.”
Tensions flare at full-time between Liverpool and Everton 😳
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Confrontation between both sides sparks multiple red cards…
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What games will Doucoure miss for Everton?
Doucoure was not shown a straight red card by Oliver.
He was booked in the first half by Oliver for a rash challenge on Liverpool’s Conor Bradley.
That means that despite the mass brawl that Doucoure caused, he is only set to miss Everton’s upcoming Premier League clash against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 15 February.
However, it remains to be seen if the FA decide to charge Doucoure with anything else.
That, though, seems unlikely as Oliver and VAR would have been fully aware of what was going on and other than his celebrations, Doucoure didn’t do much else that deserved extra punishment.