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The 2024/25 Merseyside derbies have reignited historic tensions between Everton and Liverpool, with both Premier League fixtures marred by controversy and physical confrontations.

The season’s first meeting at Goodison Park in February 2025 descended into chaos after James Tarkowski’s 98th-minute equalizer, sparking a mass brawl that saw four red cards issued post-match.

Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucouré, and Liverpool manager Arne Slot were dismissed amid heated clashes between players and staff.

The Anfield clash in April intensified scrutiny, with Tarkowski again central to controversy.

His 11th-minute challenge on Alexis Mac Allister – a high, studs-up tackle – drew widespread condemnation, though referee Sam Barrott issued only a yellow card.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) later admitted the tackle met red-card thresholds, a rare public acknowledgment of officiating error.

52 fouls and 10 yellow cards across the two games were recorded.

But for Everton’s Idrissa Gana Gueye, the Merseyside divide does not cloud his judgment when pouring praise on Liverpool icon Sy.adio Mane.

Speaking to Showmax in Senegal, Galsenfoot quotes the Everton man referring to Mane as the best Senegal player ever in the Premier League- but admits it’s hard to say so due to his allegiance to the Toffees:

“It may be hard for me to say, but Sadio is the best Senegalese ever to play in the Premier League, he just played with the wrong colour,” he said.

“He is the king of Senegal, and I am so proud of him.

He represents the country in the best possible way.”

He scored many goals, won many assists, and won numerous trophies.

I am therefore very pleased to have him in Senegal and his career.

He showed young Africans that anything is possible, Gueye explained.

The Everton man even revealed that he and Mane are still good friends, even when they were on opposite sides of the fierce rivalry:

“He’s a great guy, a very good example for everyone.

He is an excellent player, a great person and a very good friend.”

“Even when he played for rival clubs, we were always talking to each other?

He would send me text messages when we were playing against each other, and we’ve been in touch until now.”

Mane has been in decent form for Al Nassr this season, registering 7 goals and 8 assists in 25 league appearances.

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