The Premier League have issued a statement in response to the chaos that unfolded after the 2-2 draw between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park on Wednesday.

A huge brawl erupted shortly after the final whistle after Curtis Jones confronted Abdoulaye Doucoure after the Everton midfielder celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans.

Jones and Doucoure were both shown second yellow cards by referee Michael Oliver for their part in the melee.

Furious Reds boss Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff also saw red and were unable to speak to the media after the game.

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The Premier League have now explained why all four men were dismissed after the final whistle, with the incident likely to be investigated by the Football Association.

A statement appeared on their official Match Centre account on X, which read: "The referee issued second yellow cards and red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure following an altercation after the final whistle.

"Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards after the final whistle."

The incident marred what had been a dramatic finish to the game in Everton's final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before moving to their new stadium.

Beto gave the hosts the lead on 11 minutes after a clever free-kick routine, but Mohamed Salah's cross found Alexis Mac Allister and he headed home the equaliser with aplomb.

Salah drilled home what appeared to be the winning goal, only for James Tarkowski to pop up in the 98th minute and thunder home past Alisson Becker.

VAR checked the incident for offside against Doucoure and spent three minutes reviewing the decision.

However, the goal was given, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.

The Premier League also confirmed the reason behind that check from VAR official Chris Kavanagh was due to the potential offside.

It read: "The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by the VAR, who established that Doucoure was in an onside position in the build-up."

The mood turned from jubilation to fury after Doucoure and Jones squared up to each other, with players from both teams rushing over to break up the altercation.

It remains to be seen what type of disciplinary action will be handed out against both clubs after the unsavoury scenes on Merseyside.

If his red card is not overturned on appeal, Slot will be facing at least a one-match touchline ban and the Dutchman, 46, could see his ban extended to three matches if he is found guilty of violent conduct.

Jones and Doucoure will be suspended for their respective next matches regardless as they were handed two yellow cards, rather than a straight red card.


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