Liverpool and Everton set for FA charge after star sparks mass brawl between bitter rivals

Liverpool and Everton could find themselves in hot water with the FA after a mass brawl broke out between players from the two clubs following Wednesday’s Merseyside Derby

Both Liverpool and Everton can expect to be charged by the FA after a mass brawl broke out following Wednesday’s thrilling draw between the bitter rivals.

The Reds had looked set to claim a key win in the final Merseryside Derby to be played at Goodison Park, thanks to Mo Salah’s second-half strike. But in the eighth minute of stoppage time, James Tarkowski lashed home an equaliser.

Tensions spilled over following the final whistle when Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated right in front of the visiting fans, taunting them. Liverpool star Curtis Jones took exception, launching himself in and shoving Doucoure.

Players from both sides rushed in, with a mass brawl breaking out between the two squads. Police and stewards battled to intervene, with referee Michael Oliver sending off both Doucoure and Jones.

Aside from losing their players from their next Premier League outings, Liverpool and Everton can expect further punishment. The clubs can expect to be charged for failing to control their players under FA rule E.20.

Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett is anticipating both teams will be punished. He told Football Insider: “Both teams will be charged with failing to control their players. A terrific game marred by a loss of discipline by several players caught up in the passion of a Merseyside Derby.”

Both teams also face a further charge seperate from the brawl. Premier League laws dictate that a team who receive six cards within one match automatically qualify for a separate fine for misconduct. Coaches are included in this.

Liverpool saw yellow cards for Andy Robertson, Conor Bradley and Curtis Jones twice, while red cards were shown to boss Arne Slot and his assistant Spike Hulshoff. As it is the first time the Reds have fallen foul of this rule, they stand in line for a £25,000 fine.

Everton also face a separate charge, with a number of their fans jumping onto the pitch after Tarkowski’s equaliser. Rule E.20 also covers this area, with clubs liable to hefty fines.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk pinned the blame for the brawl on Doucoure, insisting the Everton star deliberately attempted to ‘provoke’ his team’s fans. The Dutchman defended the actions of Jones in response.

“This is their cup final. We saw it last year, and this year it’s a big blow. Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans. Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do. I think the referee didn’t have the game in control; I said that to him,” Van Dijk fumed.

“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.”

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