Van Dijk aims 'cup final' dig at Everton and accuses Doucoure of sparking scrap

The Liverpool defender took aim at Everton and Toffees midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure as well, accusing him of sparking a chaotic post-match scrap which led to Reds boss Arne Slot as well as Curtis Jones and Doucoure getting sent off.

Everton rescued a point deep into stoppage time in the final derby at their famous Goodison Park before they move to a new stadium in the summer.

James Tarkowski's volley in the eighth minute of stoppage-time sparked chaotic scenes as flares were set off and fans ran on the pitch to celebrate with the players.

There was further drama once the goal was confirmed by VAR and the full-time whistle was blown.

Doucoure and Curtis Jones were both sent off for clashing in front of the travelling Liverpool supporters.

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The Everton midfielder had appeared to taunt the Reds fans before Jones confronted him, sparking a brawl between several players.

Slot was shown a red card by referee Michael Oliver moments later.

When asked to sum up the match, Van Dijk suggested this was the biggest game Everton will play all season in a cheeky dig.

Van Dijk told TNT Sports: "Intense, it was always going to be intense.

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"A lot of battles. Very disappointing to concede in the last second of the game, or even over extra time, but it is what it is.

"It isn't easy to accept it, especially in the manner how, but we take it and move on.

"I think the referee had a big part in the game today in terms of certain challenges were given as fouls and similar weren't.

"In the end it is just disappointing to concede a very good strike, but a disappointing one.

"This is their cup final and they would try to do everything in their power to make it difficult for us. It is a big boost for them but a blow for us."

As for the full-time incident, Van Dijk added: "I think Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans, I think, that's what I saw.

"Curtis didn't think that was the right thing to do and then obviously you know what happens when there is a little tussle.

"But I think the ref didn't have the game under control in my opinion. I said it to him. I don't know what it is but it is an effect. Both teams have to deal with it.

"Listen, it is what it is, take a point and we'll move on."

Everton had taken an early lead through Beto before Alexis Mac Allister equalised five minutes later.

Mohamed Salah's second half strike then looked set to secure all three points for the league leaders.

However, Tarkowski's late equaliser means their advantage at the summit is only extended to seven points.

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As for the home side, Everton move above West Ham and into 15th on goal difference.

The Toffees are unbeaten in their last four league matches, with the gap to the bottom three now ten points.

Everton fans let their presence known with a sea of blue mist at the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park