David Moyes grateful to emerge from Merseyside derby ‘mayhem’ with draw

The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in an ugly on-field brawl and a flurry of red cards but Everton boss David Moyes was grateful to emerge from the “mayhem” with a dramatic draw.

Liverpool were on course to pile the misery on to their city rivals with one last victory on Toffees turf, only for James Tarkowski to hammer home a stunning volley to make it 2-2 in the eighth minute of added time.

After an agonising wait for VAR to confirm the goal, things took an incendiary turn inside the old stadium as Abdoulaye Doucoure’s wild celebrations in front of the away fans sparked a furious reaction.

Reds midfielder Curtis Jones confronted Doucoure and the subsequent altercation saw both men dismissed for second bookings.

With supporters breaking on to the pitch, stewards and police became involved before Liverpool boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also sent off by referee Michael Oliver.

With no formal press conference from Liverpool – Slot and Hulshoff both barred from speaking by Premier League rules – Moyes focused on an important moment for his side rather than the drama that followed.

“It was mayhem all game, it was a bit of an old-fashioned throwback. The bit after the game, I could tell you about it but the truth is, it’s not really what we should be talking about,” said the Scot.

“What I do know is Doucoure got a yellow that led to a red which I am disappointed with as we are short of players. The place was boiling hot all night, emotional, it was an incredible atmosphere inside the stadium.

“I think it was hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium as best as they can.

“I just feel the support in here was unbelievable tonight, it was incredible support and I think it