Paul Merson in on-air argument with Mike Dean as Everton v Liverpool fallout continues
Paul Merson let his feelings known to Mike Dean as the pair strongly disagreed with an incident that occurred during the Everton versus Liverpool clash.
Everton snatched a late 2-2 draw at Goodison Park in the final Merseyside derby to ever be staged at Goodison Park.
Wednesday night’s derby certainly did not lack talking points, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot issued a red card at full-time, along with three others.
Abdoulaye Doucoure was shown a second yellow for goading the travelling Liverpool supporters, while Curtis Jones was dismissed as a result of his reaction.
Paul Merson hits out at Arne Slot red card
In the view of Merson, while the decisions to dismiss Doucoure and Jones were justified, he was adamant Slot should not have been shown a red.
Slot, along with Liverpool coach Sipke Hulshoff, was punished by Michael Oliver for behaving in an inappropriate way at the full-time whistle.
The Dutchman entered the field of play and was seen shouting in the referee’s direction, before shaking his hand in a rather over-the-top manner.
Giving his verdict on Sky Sports News [15 February, 1:28pm], Merson said: “I thought the ref could have had a bit more class about him.
“He could have easily not sent [Slot] off. The referee needs to have a bit more common sense. The manager’s just seen his side concede a last-minute goal. I don’t care what’s been said.”
When former Premier League referee Dean defended Oliver given Slot likely used bad language, Merson replied: “Oh, come on. He’s not a seven or eight year old. It’s the heat of the moment; it’s the Premier League.”
Everton 2-2 Liverpool fallout continues
Three days on from the Merseyside derby and it is still seemingly the hottest topic of discussion in the Premier League.
Everton deserve huge credit for finding a goal out of absolutely nowhere through James Tarkowski, who wrote his name in Goodison Park folklore as a result.
As for the incident Merson is talking about, it is hard to argue against Slot being red-carded if he said something particularly bad towards Oliver.
Everton will not care one jot. Focus can now turn to Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, as the Toffees look to make it five games without defeat in the Premier League.
Should all three points be picked up in South London, talk of relegation will well and truly be in the past.