David Moyes has opened up after a mass brawl at the end of Everton’s blockbuster 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Beto put the hosts ahead, only for Arne Slot’s team to turn things around after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.
However, in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton move to a new stadium in the summer, there was drama at the death.
James Tarkowski levelled for the Toffees in the 98th minute of the match and, when Michael Oliver blew for full time, tempers boiled over.
David Moyes has opened up after a mass brawl at the end of Everton’s blockbuster 2-2 draw with Liverpool on Wednesday night
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Abdoulaye Doucoure, Curtis Jones, Slot and his assistant, Sipke Hulshoff, were all given red cards in a frantic finale.
Speaking after the game, Moyes revelled in the drama – with the Scot delighted that his team were able to secure a point.
“I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can,” he said.
“I just feel the support in here was unbelievable tonight, it was incredible support and I think it was fitting they got an end like they did.”
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“I said to the players there it’s great the supporters can go away – we didn’t win, which was disappointing, but we got a draw in a game that didn’t look as if it was going to go in our favour.
“It would have been hard to come here losing 2-1 and talking about it.
“But I think the way the crowd stayed to the end, which was a magical moment.
“There was a bit of tooing and froing at the end which might have added to the entertainment.”
Moyes also admitted that the ending of the match was full of ‘mayhem’ – though he insists it’s not something he’s overly focused on.
“It was mayhem all game, it was a bit of an old-fashioned throwback all game,” he continued.
“The bit after the game, I could tell you about it but the truth is it’s not really what we should be talking about.
“What I do know is Doucoure got a yellow that led to a red which I am disappointed with as we are short of players.
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David Moyes was pleased to see Everton earn a draw against Liverpool, with the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park one to remember
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“The place was boiling hot all night, emotional, it was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium.”
Slot, after being sent off, was unable to talk in his post-match press conference.
But Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did speak, with the Netherlands international admitting he was frustrated that his team couldn’t close out the game.
“Very tough,” he said.
Everton star James Tarkowski sparked wild celebrations around Goodison Park with his dramatic late leveller against Liverpool
PA
“To concede an equaliser that late is always disappointing. We saw the celebrations they had in the end so we know how much it meant for them but the fact is it was disappointing for us. We take the point and move onto Wolves now.”
On the brawl, he continued: “It was a very big provocation from one certain player.
“We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle.
“Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee and today I am not sure he had it fully under control.”