Virgil van Dijk blames Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure for triggering Liverpool fans
Virgil van Dijk claimed that Abdoulaye Doucoure from Everton stirred up Liverpool fans after a tense Merseyside match turned chaos when James Tarkowski scored a late equaliser. Liverpool was ahead 2-1, poised to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League by nine points in their game on February 12, 2025.
This was until Tarkowski netted in the eighth minute of added time, creating a thrilling finish to the final match at Goodison Park. Doucoure was spotted celebrating in front of Liverpool fans, which led to Curtis Jones pushing him and a brawl between players from both teams.
Referee Michael Oliver showed both Doucoure and Jones their second yellow cards, sending them off. Liverpool’s coach Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed.
’We saw how they celebrated the goal, they have all the right to. I think Abdoulaye Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think that is what I saw and Curtis Jones didn't think it was the right thing to do. And then you know what happens if there is a little tussle’, Reds captain Van Dijk said.
Van Dijk also believed that the referee struggled to manage the game, which affected both teams because they faced the same challenges. For many, this felt like a cup final. He also noted that the referee played a key role, pointing out that some challenges were called fouls while others were not.
What happened at the end?
After Tarkowski's great late goal tied the match, Doucoure walked over to the away fans and was caught on camera making a shushing sign. Liverpool's substitute Jones stepped in, leading to a big clash between players from both teams. A bottle was also thrown into the mix.
Stewards finally stepped in to break it up, and referee Oliver issued second yellow cards to both Doucoure and Jones. The excitement continued when Liverpool coach Slot and assistant coach Hulshoff received red cards for expressing their thoughts to the refs.
Shortly after Tarkowski’s equaliser, Slot was seen waving his arms to imply there was a foul before the goal. Former Liverpool player Steve McManaman called it ‘silly’ for Doucoure to provoke the Liverpool fans.
‘Abdoulaye Doucoure had 37,000 of his own fans to go and celebrate in front of. To go and antagonise the Liverpool fans was a silly decision. It was only going to end one way’, McManaman said.
Ex-Manchester United player Rio Ferdinand believes engaging with rival fans isn't wrong. He also shared that in some games, playful teasing happens.
Meanwhile, Everton's coach, David Moyes, felt upset about losing Doucoure in the match against Crystal Palace. He noted that Doucoure had played well before his second yellow card, leading to a red.
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