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      Everton’s cheeky match programme cover NEARLY backfires before Tarkowski saves Goodison from nightmare derby farewell

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      EVERTON’S cheeky matchday programme cover NEARLY backfired in heartbreaking style in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.The Toffees hosted their cross-city rivals at Goodison for the last ever time tonight.Everton’s programme featured Mikel Arteta on the coverCredit: xIt almost backfired until James Tarkowski scored a dramatic equaliserCredit: GettyHis goal denied Liverpool the chance to take home the bragging rightsCredit: GettyEverton fans were full of excitement ahead of kick-off, with many grabbing a programme as a souvenir.And they would have been treated to a cover featuring Toffees fan favourite Mikel Arteta.The picture is from Everton’s 2-0 derby day win over Liverpool back in 2010, in which the Spaniard netted the second goal.And many fans believe that the club were having a dig at Liverpool by putting Arteta on the cover.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThis is down to him being the current manager of the Reds’ title rivals Arsenal, who all Toffees will be backing in the race for Premier League glory.Many reacted to the programme cover on social media.One posted: “Everton know what they’re doing with this programme cover.”A second wrote: “Everton actually put Mikel on the cover of their programme hahaha.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSA third commented: “Everton have put Arteta on the match programme. Holy cringe.”A fourth ddn;t seem too impressed and said: “That match programme Everton has done is absolutely embarrassing.”How Liverpool’s genius offside-buster gives them HUGE edge over EvertonArteta is Arne Slot’s main rival for the Premier League titleCredit: APLiverpool made fun of Everton’s lack of recent success in the standsCredit: GettyAnother added: “Classic hahaha.”However, the joke almost backfired as goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead after Beto’s opener for the hosts.It looked certain that the Reds would leave the historic ground with bragging rights for the last time.That was until the 98th minute when James Tarkowski netted a wonderful strike to earn Everton a draw.The defender’s goal saw celebrations erupt from the home end as fans charged on to the pitch to join the players.It was not the only bit of banter between the clubs.Liverpool fans held up a sign that poked fun at Everton’s stadium move.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe sign read: “At least an empty cabinet is easier to move” in a jibe at the lack of recent success of their neighbours.The clash did descend into chaos at the full-time as Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were sent off, along with Reds manager Arne Slot.Merseyside Derby record at Goodison ParkHonours have ended evenly between Everton and Liverpool in terms of results at Goodison Park…Everton wins: 41Draws: 38Liverpool wins: 41 More

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      Celtic 1 Bayern Munich 2: Harry Kane strike gives Germans victory as Bhoys rally late on to keep slim hopes alive

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      HARRY KANE stuck a dagger through the hearts of Celtic and left them needing a Champions League miracle at Bayern Munich.It’s been centuries since an Englishman was handed as much freedom in Scotland as he was at Parkhead in the 49th minute.Harry Kane makes it 2-0 to the German giantsCredit: ReutersKane celebrates doubling Bayern’s advantageCredit: PAAnd he ruthlessly pounced unmarked to volley home and follow Michael Olise’s opener, leaving Brendan Rodgers’ side with a mountain to climb next Tuesday.But the Hoops managed to salvage a slither of hope as Daizen Maeda pulled one back late on.It all started with another spine-tingling pre-match atmosphere that then exploded again 30 seconds after kick off.Nicolas Kuhn slammed it past Manuel Neuer from 25 yards only for an offside flag to spoil the party with Adam Idah the guilty party.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat denied the 25-year-old German a goal against his old club and hopes of repeating the trick legitimately soon ended.Bayern took control and their probing passing finally got through and set alarms bells ringing on half hour when Leroy Sane failed to connect properly from close-range.Kane then got his first sniff and should have finished only to instead head straight at Kasper Schmeichel’s legs, although his blushes were somewhat spared by a late offside flag.The England captain, already on 28 this term going into this, got a second bite of the cherry in the closing stages of the opening period but this time headed into the side-netting.Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMichael Olise fires Bayern Munich into the leadCredit: ReutersThe former Crystal Palace star celebrates his brilliant openerCredit: ReutersLuckily for Bayern Olise had his shooting boots on, and he broke the deadlock in thunderous fashion at a killer time for Celtic.The ex-Crystal Palace winger cut brilliantly inside Greg Taylor and smashed it straight into the top corner from inside the box with the last kick of the half.How much Mathys Tel will cost Tottenham for four months revealed… with no guarantee Spurs can activate buy optionIt was the first time in almost 17 years that Celtic had not recorded a shot, never mind on target, in the first half of a Champions League match.The omens weren’t looking great for them either with Bayern going on to win 40 of the past 42 when they had led at the break in the competition and drawing the other two.And Vincent Kompany’s boys were in no mood to break that run here.They doubled their advantage just four minutes after the restart with Kane getting third time lucky.He volleyed in from a corner at the back post from six yards out as both Alistair Johnston and Cameron Carter-Vickers pointed the finger of blame at each other.Celtic were fuming when a VAR check ruled Arne Engels had not been fouled by Dayot Upamecano.Hope looked to be fading when Daizen Maeda fired wide from a tight angle after rounding Neuer but their was still a late twist.But the Japanese international was perfectly placed to help the ball in late on after Yang Hyun-Jun’s turn and shot to set up a frantic finish.Backed by a thunderous crowd, Celtic huffed and puffed for an equaliser, but Bayern held firm to escape Scotland with the first leg advantage.Kane admitted it was a tough game afterwards. He said: “Whenever you win a game like this, you’re always pleased because it’s not an easy place to come.“There were definitely areas in the game in which we could have done better and we’ll need to improve for next week, but overall we scored at the right times.“They put us under pressure at the end and we had to stay strong, which we did.“We knew the atmosphere would help them at the start of the game, and they nearly scored after a minute. We had to be patient, we knew we’d have more of the ball. Sometimes you need a bit of special quality to open a game like this up.”Rodgers remains hopeful, despite the size of the task ahead next week.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Celtic boss said: “It’s still tight. The game is still in the balance. If you defend strong, we’ve shown that you can actually play football and be a threat.“We’re still right in the tie. I’m looking forward already to next Tuesday. Let’s go and have no regrets.”Daizen Maeda heads Celtic back into the gameCredit: Kenny RamsayMaeda celebrates handing Celtic a lifelineCredit: ReutersTHIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

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      Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red after handshake stunt

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      THE final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in chaos as a mass brawl erupted on the field – with even Arne Slot seeing red. James Tarkowski netted a dramatic equaliser in the eighth minute of added time for Everton, levelling the game at 2-2.A massive brawl erupted on the field at Goodison Park after a late Everton levellerCredit: GettyCurtis Jones (No. 17) was sent off after a furious confrontation with Abdoulaye DoucoureCredit: GettyStewards and police were tasked with restoring calm after Everton dramatically snatched a pointCredit: AFPLiverpool boss Arne Slot was later sent off after clashing with Michael OliverCredit: ReutersEverton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic late leveller in a pulsating derbyCredit: APSlot’s Liverpool were denied the chance to stretch their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points.And tempers flared after the final whistle, with Curtis Jones in the middle of a huge fracas.Police and stewards were seen intervening to get between the players, as Jones tussled with Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.Doucoure appeared to celebrate Everton’s late equaliser in front of the travelling support, with an incensed Jones confronting him.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMany other players then piled in.Jones and Doucoure had already picked up bookings in what was a bad-tempered encounter.They were booked again for their confrontation by ref Michael Oliver, resulting in a red card for both.Tempers appeared to be cooling as Everton players crossed the field to celebrate with their fans.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Slot wasn’t done – and promptly saw red after clashing with ref Oliver and appearing to hold on to his hand in a bizarre handshake.MOTD commentator shares ‘scariest position in football’ as he takes fans inside Premier League stadiumHe was immediately shown a straight red, despite the protests of Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk.It will mean Slot will be banned from the touchline when Liverpool host Wolves at Anfield this weekend, although the Reds could appeal the decision. Jones will also be suspended.Reds assistant manager Sipke Hulshoff was also given his marching orders after arguing with the officials about Everton’s equaliser. Everton began an emotional night brilliantly, with Beto giving the Toffees a deserved early lead.But Liverpool hit back through Alexis MacAllister and Mo Salah, with the three points looking set to head back across Stanley Park.Tarkowski was sent forward by David Moyes in the final seconds of the game to try and rescue a point for the Toffees. And the centre-back thundered in a stunning strike on the volley to take the roof off at Goodison.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt capped a memorable night in which Liverpool fans cheekily trolled their neighbours from the away end.There was also a serious looking injury for Iliman Ndiaye who left the pitch in tears in the first half. More

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      Everton vs Liverpool LIVE RESULT: Tarkowski SMASHES home INCREDIBLE 97th-min volley to earn draw in FINAL Goodison derby

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      JAMES TARKOWSKI scored an equaliser that will echo through 133 years of Goodison Park history – and sparked a mass brawl at full-time.In the FINAL EVER Merseyside derby at the historic ground, Liverpool thought they had come from behind to earn all three points when Mo Salah slammed home from close range.Tarkowski became the unlikeliest of heroes when he smashed home an incredible volley to equaliser in the 97th-minute as the two sides played each other for the final time before Everton move to Bramley-Moore dock.But the drama had not stopped there – first there was an agonising VAR check and then a mass brawl between players that saw police separate them and continued down the tunnel.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below…Liverpool fixturesThe Reds next face Wolves at home but their other three fixtures before we head into March are looking extremely tricky.This is a make or break period for Arne Slot’s side with every result important.They will have viewed the result as two points dropped especially with the tough matches just around the corner.Feb 16 – Wolves (h)Feb 19 – Aston Villa (a)Feb 23 – Man City (a)Feb 26 – Newcastle (h)Copy linkCopiedEverton fixturesThat really was a vital point for Everton as they continue their resurgence under David Moyes.The Toffees are now up to 15th – the point seeing Moyes jump ahead of former team West Ham – and are already 10 points clear of the relegation zone.Their next three fixtures are all against bottom half teams – yes, that includes 13th-placed Man Utd – and a strong run of form could see them rapidly climb the table.Feb 15 – Crystal Palace (a)Feb 22 – Man Utd (h)Feb 26 – Brentford (a)Copy linkCopiedDon’t know when they’re beatenThat could be said of both sides tonight.Both trailed at one stage, both settled for a point in the end.A real topsy-turvy game but it’s nothing Liverpool aren’t used to.They’ve recovered from losing positions to accrue 15 points in the Premier League, with only recent league rivals Man City (17) winning more.Copy linkCopiedTough runIf Arsenal come through their next few fixtures, that lead could be a touch narrower.Look at the next three for Liverpool after Wolves at the weekend!?Two away trips at top four contenders Aston Villa and Manchester City before a home game with another Champions League hopeful in Newcastle. Copy linkCopiedTitle race still on?The lead is up to seven points now with everyone playing the same number of games.Arsenal without a striker will likely find it tough to win enough games should Liverpool drop points.So is the title race done? Tim Sherwood doesn’t think so, telling Soccer Special: “It keeps it open, in my opinion. Seven points. “It’s still a big gap, of course it is. But nine would have been too much. Seven keeps it alive. “Not only are they celebrating in the blue half of Merseyside tonight, Liverpool will feel like it’s a defeat because it’s come so late in the day.”Copy linkCopiedImageThis is the image circulating social media, showing Michael Oliver looking straight at the Konate incident at the end of the game.Liverpool are incensed that a foul wasn’t given and when the offside was checked, they cleared the foul too.In truth, you’d be livid if you didn’t get the foul for your side when shoved with two hands.Copy linkCopiedNo presserNo press conference to come from the visitor’s camp tonight.Arne Slot’s red card obviously playing a part but no stand in or any word from anyone other than Van Dijk’s media round.Penny for his thoughts….Copy linkCopiedNeedleVan Dijk gave a bit back in the comments after the game too, saying: “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.”Copy linkCopiedLost in the madnessSo much to speak about after the game.But one thing that hasn’t yet been mentioned was Mo Salah’s involvement once again.A quiet game by his lofty standards yet registering yet another goal AND assist on the night – the 40th time he’s done both in the same game.Opta say his 22 goal involvements – 13 goals and nine assists – from 13 Premier League away games is already the MOST in Premier League history.That record is now one more than Andy Cole in 1993-94.Copy linkCopiedMatch reportIt was one of they nights. Miss it? Where have you been?Luckily we’ve got you covered with our match report below.By Ken LawrenceArne Slot left Goodison Park in a red haze amidst mayhem after James Tarkowski scored a stunning equaliser eight minutes into time added on.The Dutchman thought he was leaving the last ever Merseyside derby with a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.But memories from his first and last visit to the home of Everton will not have been made of this.His furious rant at referee Michael Oliver earned him a red card, as he joined Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones and Everton rival Abdoulaye Doucoure in being sent-off for being involved in a brawl after the final whistle.Copy linkCopied’Good position’More from Virgil van Dijk, who on the title race told TNT Sports: “We have a lot of games up until the international break. We have put ourselves in a very good position and that is down to hard work, quality and consistency. “We just have to look at ourselves, don’t look at what others do, just try to focus on ourselves and be the best version of ourselves.”We have put ourselves in a good position, let’s keep going.”Copy linkCopied’Important’Jordan Pickford says the point means so much to the club as they know how damning it’d have been to lose to their local rivals tonight.He told TNT Sports: “It was a great point. There was anxiety at the end with the VAR, but it was massive for the fans and for us. “To finish at Goodison with a point, we thought we played very well tonight and an important point for in the table as well.”It was a fantastic strike. We didn’t give up, we kept pushing and pushing. There were some great performances out there.”That edge in a derby is always crucial. We deserved a point.”We knew it would hang over the fans heads and our heads if Liverpool won 2-1 tonight. We have to take the positives from it and we know we have to go to Anfield in a few weeks.”Copy linkCopiedDaft statAmidst all the drama, in case you missed this incredible stat, tonight was the first time in Premier League history that Liverpool’s starting XI didn’t feature an Englishman.So that is the first in 1252 games that no English player has started for the club. It’s quite incredible.Copy linkCopiedEmotions highDavid Moyes is disappointed to lose Doucoure for the next game after his red card.He told Match Of The Day: “I didn’t see it from where I was. I have had a chance to see it.”I’m disappointed because Doucoure played really well tonight and I’m going to now lose him because he’s got a second yellow card which turned into a red.”The emotions were running high here all night, the stadium was at fever pitch. You could see what it meant to supporters at the end of the game, the crowd was rocking. It was one of the big nights.”Copy linkCopiedWatch the rammyFancy watching the big full-time fight?You’re welcome!Copy linkCopiedAssistant off!I thought I’d managed to get all the red cards but I seem to have missed one.Liverpool’s assistant Sipke Hulshoff was also shown a red card after the whistle. Mo Salah might well be manager next week at this rate…The Premier League Match Centre tweeted: “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.”Copy linkCopied’Mental’David Moyes reckons the ending was fitting to round off derby games at this ground.He told TNT Sports: “Mental probably sums it up. A brilliant finish for us, to finish the last Goodison Merseyside derby and score in the last minute is in a way fitting.”We would have liked to have won the game but at 2-1 down I was just thinking that we probably weren’t going to get back in, it just looked like Liverpool would keep us out.”We worked hard, kept at it, probably had more attempts in the second half than the first. Tarky had the quality which was the one that really mattered.”Copy linkCopiedRecord ends evenThat goal is huge for Everton in so many ways.But it was the 120th and final derby at Goodison Park between the clubs in all competitions. That late goal ensures that the record remains all-square – they can’t have had Liverpool beating them more than they beat Liverpool at their own ground.Now, after 120 games both sides have won exactly 41 each with 38 draws. The Friendly Derby indeed.Copy linkCopiedRight to be angry?Phil Jagielka told TNT Sports: “You can see why Arne Slot was furious. There was a slight little nudge in the box and if that was my team I would be appealing. I would be getting sent off after the game too.”Slot always talks about staying composed but it seems like he lost a bit of his composure at the end there. That’s what a derby does to you.”Copy linkCopied’No control’Virgil van Dijk said Michael Oliver wasn’t in control of the game throughout and admitted he told the referee that at the end.On the rammy at full time, he told Match Of The Day: “It was a very big provocation from one certain player. We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. “You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. “Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee and today I am not sure he had it fully under control.”Copy linkCopiedAnd down the bottomEverton move level on points with Tottenham with that point.They’re now up to 15th and a full 10 points clear of the bottom three.Some turnaround in their fortunes.Copy linkCopiedWhat it meansSo Liverpool’s lead is now seven points at the top.They do have a tricky run of fixtures between now and the end of February.But do the chasing pack have enough to capitalise on any slip ups? I’m not so sure…Copy linkCopiedPeacemakerAbdoulaye Doucoure appeared to tell Virgil van Dijk he’d see him in the tunnel at the end.Van Dijk appeared to then see the funny side as he chatted with Michael Oliver.The Liverpool players clearly not happy with the goal and that will likely rumble on.It’s not likely to stop them going on to win the title but it denied them a huge win.Hearing from Arne Slot soon will be interesting.Copy linkCopiedMatch winnerJames Tarkowski had a shocker at the weekend as Everton were dumped out the cup.But he’s the Everton hero for now – and likely forever – with that goal and told TNT Sports: “Early on I got a chance and I panicked a bit. Late on I just decided to get in the box, it dropped, I just let it go and see what happens. Amazing to score and what an amazing night.”I just saw the ball going wide and thought ‘last minute, why not’. It managed to fall to me and let it rip.”We knew it was a tough game but we worked hard, restricted them to a minimum amount of shots. Disappointed with the way the goals go in but we’ve started to score a few goals now, thankfully we got two tonight.”Copy linkCopiedControversialThere’s real anger from Liverpool that a foul on Konate wasn’t given in the build-up to that winner.Rio Ferdinand think it shouldn’t have stood, telling TNT Sports: “If I am Ibrahima Konate I am wanting a foul for that challenge.”Copy linkCopied More

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      Everton 2 Liverpool 2: James Tarkowski scores 97th minute volley to rescue point in last ever derby at Goodison Park

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      ARNE SLOT left Goodison Park in a red haze amidst mayhem after James Tarkowski scored a stunning equaliser eight minutes into time added on.The Dutchman thought he was leaving the last ever Merseyside derby with a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League.James Tarkowski rescued a point with a stunning volleyCredit: GettyTarkowski’s goal sparked crazy scenes at the Gwladys Street EndCredit: PAFans jumped over the advertising boards and celebrated on the pitchCredit: AFPTempers then flared at full-time involving Abdoulaye Doucoure and Curtis JonesCredit: PABoth players were given red cards for their involvement in the scrapCredit: ReutersStewards and police officers separated the playersCredit: GettyBut memories from his first and last visit to the home of Everton will not have been made of this.His furious rant at referee Michael Oliver earned him a red card, as he joined Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, Everton rival Abdoulaye Doucoure and assistant Sipke Hulshoff in being sent-off for being involved in a brawl after the final whistle.Before the game, Slot warned that one defeat can follow another no matter how good your team might be, following the shock FA Cup defeat at the hands of Plymouth Argyle.But after Mo Salah had produced what looked to be a 73rd minute winner, this will still feel like a loss, no matter the seven-point gap over second-placed Arsenal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDerbies anywhere can take a while to get going. Not this one. Right from the start ’till that wild end it was frantic, electric, pumped up.Five bookings by half-time. As Merseyside derbies went back in the good old days of Duncan Ferguson, Jamie Carragher, Graeme Sharp, Kenny Dalgish and Ian Rush – this was strictly old school in the Grand Old Lady’s back yard.Everton made it very clear that they were going for it and winger Jesper Lindstrom asked a serious question of the Liverpool defence with a cross – shot after as the kick-off dust had settled.By the eleventh minute he and his team-mates were celebrating thanks to Beto’s stunning opener – stunning, mainly, because Slot’s defence was caught stone cold.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCentral defender Jarrad Branthwaite sent forward a quick free-kick from 20 yards inside his own side’s half and the opposition rear guard had no answer.A striker who has spent most of his time derided as not good enough by the Everton support and very much back-up to Dominic Calvert-Lewin – looked like a world-beater.Ibrahima Konate did not. He was left for dead by Beto’s run and so was Alisson who had charged off his line but could do nothing about the big striker’s composed right footed finish.It was the last thing Slot needed but with ten players returning to his side after Sunday’s defeat to Argyle, he knew that this line-up wouldn’t be bottling it, unlike the scratch side did at Home Park.Least of all Salah. He got the ball on the edge of the Everton box and sent over the most delicious of crosses. He was calm personified.Alexis Mac Allister read his intentions perfectly, moving forward to produce an impudent back-header that in the 16th minute found the far side of Jordan Pickford’s net before the England No 1 could even move.Beto opened the scoring from a well-worked free-kickCredit: AFPAlexis Mac Allister brilliantly guided a header beyond Jordan Pickford to make it 1-1Credit: APIliman Ndiaye then suffered a knee injury that left him in tears in a clash with Dominik Szoboszlai.The Senegalese winger has been a ray of hope for the Toffees all season, but he was distraught as he left the pitch, escorted by physios, covering his face in the pain that was clearly as emotional as physical.Still, Everton, three league wins in a row behind them since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, stood strong and none more so than Pickford and Tarkowski.Four minutes into time added on in the first-half, Szoboszlai let go with a vicious left footer that the keeper did very well to parry and as Luis Diaz moved in for the kill Tarkowski on his 100th Everton appearance, was there to nudge clear.Not long after the break Doucoure should have put his side ahead as he met Idrissa Gueye’s clipped cross but went for power, not placement and ended up holding his head in frustration.Connor Bradley, one of those cautioned in the first-half, looked like he was losing his clash with the Everton attacking midfielder and Slot replaced him with Trent Alexander-Arnold, while Ryan Gravenberch made way for Curtis Jones.Who, in the manner of the on-going feisty proceedings, was in referee Oliver’s book within 60 seconds for a lunge on Lindstrom.Everton were asking plenty of questions and with Beto barn-storming around, ably abetted by Doucoure, Virgil van Dijk and his fellow defenders came under more and more pressure.The mass brawl resulted in three red cardsCredit: GettyArne Slot was sent off after a confrontation with referee Michael OliverCredit: ReutersBranthwaite thought he’d put the Toffees ahead in the 68th minute as he smashed home but VAR correctly ruled he’d been offside in the build up.But no technology was needed as Salah scored – not that Liverpool deserved to leave Goodison with that satisfying bit of local history.But give Anfield’s Egyptian king an opportunity and almost always you can depend on him to take it.Jones, calmer now, fired in a shot off sub Darwin Nunez’s pass and while Pickford again did well to block, the ricochet flew straight to the last man he wanted to see, and goal number 27 of the season was clinically dispatched by Salah.What Slot couldn’t depend on was a defence that had looked jumpy all night.READ MORE SUN STORIESDespite a four minute VAR check for a possible foul on Konate in the build-up to Tarkowski’s 98th minute howitzer, the goal stood and it sparked a pitch invasion.It sent Moyes’ resurgent side a step closer to safety – and Slot, amongst others, wild.Mo Salah scored his 22nd goal in the Prem this seasonCredit: GettySalah’s finish looked to have punished a wasteful EvertonCredit: Getty More

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      Plans to install new football regulator would destroy the Premier League, warns Reform MP Rupert Lowe

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      A NEW football regulator would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warned.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe said a quango would strangle the competitiveness of one of Britain’s best assets.Reform UK MP Rupert Lowe, former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member, said setting up a regulator could see the Premier League destroyedCredit: PAHe insisted the league had built itself up without “interference from government or the state” and did not need it now. Mr Lowe — former chairman of Southampton FC and FA Board member — said setting up any regulator would be an own goal.Speaking to The Sun’s Never Mind The Ballots show, he said: “The Premier League’s an unbelievable success.“It brings huge soft power to Britain, it brings huge amounts of tax revenue to the Exchequer.”READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe then warned that London’s once world-beating financial centre was “destroyed by regulation”.He asked: ““Will the Government take responsibility if football goes the same way as our financial markets after they introduce a regulator?“Light touch self-regulation built the Premier League. Regulation will destroy it.”Mr Lowe also called for the lifting of the 3pm blackout, which forbids matches being shown live on UK television at the traditional kick-off time on Saturdays. Most read in FootballThe regulator would have powers to force Premier League sides to bail out cash-strapped lower-tier teams, clamp down on dodgy owners and ban clubs joining breakaway “super leagues”.The Tories introduced the Football Governance Bill but have since pulled their support.Unify League explained after European Super League launches again in new format Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is battling to get the legislation through the Lords where a cabal of peers is trying to sink it.Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy is fighting to push the legislation through the Lords, where a group of peers is trying to block itCredit: GettyA new football regulator planned by Labour would destroy the Premier League, ministers have been warnedCredit: AFP More

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      Chelsea facing striker crisis with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for six weeks as Enzo Maresca dealt injury blow

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      ENZO MARESCA has been dealt a blow with Nicolas Jackson ruled out for around six weeks.Chelsea’s main striker has suffered a significant hamstring injury and is unlikely to play again before April.Nicolas Jackson sustained an injury against West HamCredit: AlamyJackson was forced off early in the 2-1 win over West Ham on February 3.He missed last weekend’s FA Cup defeat at Brighton, although boss Maresca claimed beforehand that the problem was not too bad.But a scan this week has shown it to be more serious than first thought and nine-goal Jackson now faces a spell on the sidelines.Chelsea are due back at Brighton on Friday for a Premier League game.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAfter the recent FA Cup clash with the Seagulls, Maresca admitted that Jackson’s absence severely hampered his team.Fellow striker Marc Guiu is also out for some time with a muscle problem, leaving Maresca facing a crisis up front.Christopher Nkunku deputised last weekend. He has scored 13 times this season but only two of those have come in the Premier League due to limited appearances.Chelsea are fourth in the table and are hopeful of securing a top four finish to guarantee a return to the Champions League next season.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThey also resume European competition in the Conference League next month, which is the club’s last remaining hope of silverware this seasonBut they will have to do so with their main striker on the treatment table.Cole Palmer shows off his goal scoring skills at Chelsea Training More

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      ‘Obsessed’ – Fans baffled as Rio Ferdinand takes issue with Virgil van Dijk’s HAIR during Everton vs Liverpool clash

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      RIO FERDINAND left fans baffled during the Merseyside derby – by obsessing over Virgil van Dijk’s flowing locks.The ex-England defender, 46, joined the TNT Sports commentary crew for the thrilling 2-2 draw at Goodison Park.Rio Ferdinand’s bizarre moment on commentary baffled TNT viewersCredit: AlamyThe ex-England defender singled out Virgil van Dijk and his hairCredit: ReutersFerdinand wanted Everton striker Beto to make life harder for the Liverpool skipperCredit: AlamyFerdinand was alongside Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher in the TV gantry on co-comms duty. The 46-year-old urged Everton forward Beto to get more aggressive on Liverpool skipper Van Dijk during a pulsating first half.Van Dijk sported his usual locks, gelling back his long hair into a bun.But Ferdinand indicated he wanted Beto to “ruffle him up” and get more involved in a physical battle. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe former Man Utd defender then bizarrely said: “I don’t want Van Dijk’s hair all pristine and nicely gelled. “I want it ruffled and over his face.”Ferdinand would go on to mention the Dutchman’s hair again before the half-time whistle – prompting a flood of comments on social media. One fan responded on X: “Rio’s obsession with Virgil’s hair is concerning.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “The main thing I’ve learnt so far is that Rio Ferdinand has a weird obsession with Van Dijk’s hair.”While a third joked: “Can you sack Rio Ferdinand mid game please lads? If he mentions Van Dijk’s hair one more time I’ll scream.”Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stuntA fourth laughed: “This has to be the weirdest commentary ever.”And a fifth drily added: “And people say punditry is dead?”On the field, it was a feisty affair at Goodison during a frantic first 45 minutes.Beto put the Toffees into an early lead, finishing brilliantly after Liverpool fell asleep at a freekick.But a teasing Mo Salah cross was headed in by Alexis Macallister to level the scores at the break. Referee Michael Oliver was kept busy as both sides launched themselves into tackles.There were five bookings in the first half alone as tempers flared under the lights.Liverpool looked set to win the contest when Salah netted midway through the second period.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut James Tarkowski equalised with a banging goal at the death.And the action didn’t finish with the final whistle, as a huge brawl broke out after the game and Arne Slot was sent off. More