FA issue statement as Liverpool and Everton hit with charges for Merseyside derby chaos and referee row

Evening Standard

·14 Februari 2025

FA issue statement as Liverpool and Everton hit with charges for Merseyside derby chaos and referee row

Tempers reached boiling point after a dramatic conclusion to the Merseyside derby

Everton and Liverpool have been charged by the FA for failure to control their players following the final whistle of a fiery Merseyside derby.

Video OneFootball

Furthermore, Liverpool head coach Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff have been charged for “allegedly” acting in an improper manner and/or using insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards the match officials.

The final-ever Merseyside derby to be held at Goodison Park will be remembered for years to come.

A 98th minute equaliser from James Tarkowski rescued the Toffees from the jaws of defeat and prevented Liverpool from opening up a nine point lead at the top of the Premier League.

However, after the final whistle blew, the derby descended into chaos.

A bust-up between Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure sparked a melee involving both sets of players, Slot was shown a red card following his confrontation with Michael Oliver, whilst his assistant, Hulshoff was also given his marching orders.

Jones and Doucoure are to serve suspensions this weekend, missing Wolves at home and Crystal Palace away respectively.

Everton v Liverpool February 2025 - In Pictures

1/10

Both clubs as well as Slot and Hulshoff have until next Wednesday to respond to their respective charge.

A statement reads: “Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have been charged following the Premier League fixture between the clubs on Wednesday, 12 February. It is alleged that both clubs failed to ensure their players and/or technical area occupants did not behave in an improper and/or provocative way following the final whistle.

“The Liverpool manager allegedly acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards both the match referee and an assistant referee after the match had finished.

“It is alleged that Liverpool’s assistant manager acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official, which led to his dismissal.

“It is further alleged that he acted in an improper manner and/or used insulting and/or abusive words and/or behaviour towards a match official after being sent off.

“Everton, Liverpool, Arne Slot and Sipke Hulshoff have until next Wednesday, 19 February, to provide their respective responses.”