“Chaos and Controversy: Why Curtis Jones, Arne Slot, and Abdoulaye Doucoure Were Sent Off in the Explosive Everton 2-2 Liverpool Derby”
“Why Curtis Jones, Arne Slot, and Abdoulaye Doucoure Were Sent Off in the Fiery Everton 2-2 Liverpool Clash”
The last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park will be remembered for its dramatic finish, with Everton scoring a last-minute equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw against Liverpool. But the excitement didn’t end there, as tempers flared after the final whistle, leading to the dismissal of Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Arne Slot, and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.
The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as the match kicked off, and Everton quickly took the lead through Beto. However, their advantage was fleeting, as Alexis Mac Allister responded with a brilliant header just moments later. Despite the 14-place and 30-point gap between the two teams, the game proved to be much more evenly matched than anyone had expected.
Everton posed constant problems for Liverpool, especially in the second half, even having a goal ruled out for offside. Yet, as they’ve done throughout the season, Arne Slot’s side held firm and found a way to respond. Mohamed Salah seized the moment, pouncing on a clearance and slotting it past Jordan Pickford to give Liverpool what seemed like a crucial lead. Just as it looked like they’d secured all three points, James Tarkowski struck in the dying seconds, unleashing a powerful volley past Alisson that sent Goodison Park into wild celebration.
However, things quickly soured after the final whistle, leading to red cards for Jones, Doucoure, Slot, and Hulshoff. The chaos was ignited by the Toffees midfielder’s exuberant celebrations.
Jones took exception to Doucoure’s celebrations, which were directed at the Liverpool fans.
As with most football derbies, the tension reached boiling point by the final whistle. Doucoure sparked a confrontation by celebrating in front of the visiting Liverpool fans, prompting Jones to rush over and confront the Everton midfielder. A brief scuffle ensued, with Jones shoving Doucoure, and several other players getting involved. The Liverpool man was livid, and the two had to be separated. Both were ultimately shown red cards for their roles in the altercation.
Curtis Jones chasing Doucoure down after the Everton man ran to Liverpool fans to celebrate right in front of them! 👊🏴 pic.twitter.com/RL0KIVwSWL
— Football Fights (@footbalIfights) February 12, 2025
Slot was far from quiet about the incident, voicing his frustrations to referee Michael Oliver amid the chaos. The Dutchman angrily confronted the official over the situation and his overall performance. As a result, both Slot and his assistant were handed red cards for their aggressive behavior toward the referee.
The referee issued second yellow cards and red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucouré following an altercation after the final whistle.
Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards after the final whistle.
— Premier League Match Centre (@PLMatchCentre) February 12, 2025
The match ended in sheer madness, capping off what had been an unforgettable Merseyside Derby. It was a dramatic farewell for Goodison Park, perfectly encapsulating the intensity and passion of one of British football’s most iconic derbies.