Everton fan ‘riot’ avoided after last-gasp development v Liverpool
Everton were involved in a late VAR controversy in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool that left Richard Keys furious.
In the dying embers of the last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park (12 February), James Tarkowski struck with a stunning volley to rescue a draw.
The goal was awarded after a lengthy VAR check with Beto judged to have not fouled Ibrahima Konate in the build-up to the goal and offside ruled out.
There were ugly scenes after the contest involving Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure but they could have been even worse.
Everton fan ‘riot’ avoided v Liverpool
BeIN SPORTS pundit Richard Keys believes that the scenes at Goodison Park could have turned even more sour had the goal not stood.
In a post on his personal X account (12 February), he said: “If VAR had disallowed that goal tonight there would’ve been a riot.
“How about touch – feel – understanding? There isn’t any. Our game isn’t black & white – it never will be. VAR wasn’t introduced to find ways to disallow goals.”
Everton got what they deserved in Liverpool draw
A draw was a fair result for the Blues, who fought tough and nail to secure a result against the Premier League leaders.
Tarkowski’s late strike was exactly what David Moyes‘ side deserved from the contest as they took the hostile atmosphere from the crowd to the Reds players on the pitch.
They started excellently with a well-worked strike from Beto from an ingenious Jarrad Branthwaite free-kick before goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah had the visitors on the road to victory.
The fashion of the late goal sent the rapturous Goodison environment to a new level and felt like a winner given what it means for the Anfield outfit’s title hopes.
The Reds could have taken a nine-point margin over Arsenal at the summit with a win but are now only seven above the Gunners so the Blues supporters will be even more satisfied with the draw.
It felt fitting that in the final derby at the Toffees’ famous old ground, there was another pivotal moment that could dent their arch-rivals title chances just like the 2-0 win last season.
After that result in Jurgen Klopp’s farewell season, the Reds went on to finish third in the league so Toffees fans will hope that history repeats itself.