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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

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      Former Liverpool Champions League winner, 44, completes incredible 24-hour treadmill run covering 106 miles

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      JOHN ARNE RIISE has completed an incredible 24-hour treadmill run.The former Liverpool star covered an astonishing 106 miles during the daring challenge.John Arne Riise took a gruelling running challenge in NorwayCredit: InstagramHe covered 106 miles in a 24-hour running stintCredit: InstagramRiise, 44, is a cult hero at Anfield and was a part of the side that won the Champions League in 2005.He retired from playing back in 2023 and has now completed his toughest challenge.The Norweigian took part in a charity running event at Toppform Fitness in the town of Moss in his homeland.The challenge saw runners take on a day’s worth of running on an indoor treadmill.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey raised money for a mental health charity.Most runners only completed segments of the 24 hours, while Riise ran for the full day.His spectacular efforts drew in large crowds as he helped the event raise £17,850 for charity.After completing the mega run, Riise admitted that it was evidently exhausted.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe said: “It’s the toughest and most intense thing I’ve ever been through, physically and mentally.”(The money raised) makes it worth it, even though it was incredibly tough at times.”Miron Muslic ‘very emotional’ after Plymouth knock Liverpool out of FA Cup Riise spent seven years at Liverpool during his careerCredit: PA:Press AssociationRiise also revealed his brilliant plans to start his recovery after putting his body through the gruelling challenge.He proclaimed: “I’m going home, shower, put my feet on the couch, order the biggest kebab ever with hot sauce, Pepsi Max, candy.”Then I’m not going to move for two days.”He also posted a message to his fans on Instagram.He wrote: “This is the moment I finished 24 hours on the treadmill.”Proud of my achievement and especially where I was physically and mentally four months ago.READ MORE SUN STORIES”Did this for a great cause, mental health! I ended up with 172km, in a run I didn’t think I could do.”Thanks for all the support and everyone that participated and ran during this very hard 24 hours.”He won the Champions League 2005 with the RedsCredit: Getty More

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      Sir Jim Ratcliffe ‘fears Man Utd could go BUST without Ineos’ chief’s unpopular spree of cost-cutting measures’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears the club could go BUST – unless he radically cuts costs.SunSport revealed on Tuesday the United chief is set to axe up between 100-200 more staff at Old Trafford. Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly fears Man Utd could go bust unless he cuts costsCredit: AlamyMore than 100 jobs are set to go at Old TraffordCredit: ReutersRatcliffe paid £1billion to acquire 27.7 per cent of the Premier League club last year.The 72-year-old has since taken a sledgehammer to United’s finances.He made 250 of the 1,150 workforce redundant last July and has incensed fans by cutting pay to club ambassadors, including ex-boss Sir Alex Ferguson.According to the Guardian, Ratcliffe has indicated he “has little choice” but to cut costs considerably across the club.READ MORE ON MAN UTD NEWSUnited lost £300m over the past three years – but the United co-owner is confident he can turn things around in two seasons. Insiders told the outlet United would have “run out of cash” had Ratcliffe not injected £240m last year.And Ratcliffe is prepared to keep going with his cost-cutting – despite knowing it is hugely unpopular with fans.Almost EVERY United player could be up for sale this summer at Old Trafford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt’s been a dismal season on the field, with the Red Devils currently languishing in the bottom half of the top flight. Manager Ruben Amorim admitted relegation was a “possibility” and called his side the “worst United team in history”.Inside Marcus Rashford’s demise from one of football’s biggest stars to £60m benchwarmerTo get around PSR rules, homegrown stars such as Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo look set to be sold before investment can begin on the team. United were quiet in the January window, bringing in Patrick Dorgu for £25m from Lecce and youngster Ayden Heaven from Arsenal. Ratcliffe has ambitious plans for Old Trafford and the surrounding area. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first year at Man UtdSIR JIM RATCLIFFE’S minority takeover at Manchester United was announced on Christmas Eve in 2023 – and a lot has happened at Old Trafford since…December 2023 – Man Utd confirm Ratcliffe’s takeover on Christmas Eve, vowing to invest £245m into Old TraffordJanuary 2024 – Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford photographed meeting Erik ten Hag during tour of Carrington January 2024 – Omar Berrada poached from Man City as new CEO February 2024 – Ratcliffe’s £1billion, 27.7 per cent takeover officially completed February 2024 – Former CEO Richard Arnold quits board as Ineos pair John Rees and Rob Nevin addedMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe bans words “awesome” and “lukewarm cappuccino” in bizarre moveMarch 2024 – Matt Johnson appointed head of women’s footballMarch 2024 – Ratcliffe announces plans to build “Wembley of the North” to replace Old TraffordMarch 2024 – Man Utd NYSE share price drops to $13.73 on March 21 – down from $20.52 immediately after Ratcliffe takeover in DecemberApril 2024 – Senior staff club credit cards and private cars cancelled April 2024 – John Murtough quits as football director April 2024 – Jason Wilcox appointed technical director after compensation package agreed with Southampton May 2024 – Ratcliffe turns Carrington “toxic” after sending email to employees slamming “disgraceful” lack of cleanlinessMay 2024 – Work finally starts on leaking Old Trafford roofMay 2024 – Man Utd finish eighth in Premier League, worst-ever finish May 2024 – Ratcliffe gives employees just one week to decide if they want to accept redundancy May 2024 – Staff forced to pay for own transport to FA Cup final and only given one ticketMay 2024 – Pre-match party and hotel for senior staff before FA Cup final axedMay 2024 – Man Utd shock rivals Man City to win FA Cup despite suggestions Erik ten Hag will be sacked regardless of resultJune 2024 – Man Utd announce £50m plans to upgrade Carrington training ground June 2024 – Ratcliffe introduces strict “back to work” policy forcing staff to come into officeJune 2024 – Ratcliffe scores own goal with comments about women’s teamJuly 2024 – Man Utd finally agree deal to bring in Dan Ashworth as sporting director after four months of gardening leave at Newcastle, who received £3m in compensationJuly 2024 – Erik ten Hag signs shock new contract extension until 2026July 2024 – Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake appointed assistant managers, Andreas Georgson first-team coach and Jelle ten Rouwelaar goalkeeper coach. Darren Fletcher’s role changes from technical director to first-team coach. Steve McClaren, Mitchell van der Gaag and Benni McCarthy depart.July 2024 – Ex-Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell joins on short-term basis as interim director of recruitment July 2024 – Jean-Claude Blanc added to Man Utd board  July 2024 – Man Utd cut down number of staff on US pre-season tour to 125July 2024 – Ratcliffe makes 250 redundancies including popular media man John Allen, historian Cliff Butler and kitman Alex WylieAugust 2024 – Man Utd splash out £199m in the summer transfer window August 2024 – Matchday staff lunchboxes scrapped and some forced to eat beside toiletOctober 2024 – Man Utd stop paying £2m-a-year ambassador salary to Sir Alex FergusonOctober 2024 – Staff Christmas party cancelled October 2024 – “Back to work” policy costing Utd fortune to convert hospitality suites into temporary offices between home matchesOctober 2024 – Erik ten Hag sacked with club 14th in Premier League table, costing club £15mNovember 2024 – Ruben Amorim appointed new Man Utd manager on deal until 2027 after stumping up £10m release clause November 2024 – Coach Ruud van Nistelrooy axed by new manager Ruben Amorim November 2024 – Man Utd chiefs locked in blame game over summer shambles including Erik ten Hag situation and transfer signings November 2024 – Ratcliffe reportedly set to half £40,000 budget paid to Manchester United Disabled Supporters AssociationDecember 2024 – Ratcliffe admits “mediocre” Man Utd “still in last century” December 2024 – Fans protest after OAP and children concessions tickets ditched and minimum home ticket cost up to £66December 2024 – Dan Ashworth sacked after five months as sporting directorDecember 2024 – £100 staff Christmas bonus ditched for £40 M&S voucherDecember 2024 – Ceiling starts leaking during Ruben Amorim’s press conference after 3-0 defeat to BournemouthDecember 2024 – Reports of a mice infestation at Old Trafford as rodent droppings found in food kiosks and plush suites as food hygiene ratings drops to just two starsDecember 2024 – SunSport reveals Ratcliffe cuts £40,000 funding donation to Association of Former Manchester United Players charityHe wants to build a “Wembley of the North” on the current site – at a cost of nearly £2bn. The club are still deliberating whether to invest in Old Trafford or move to a new 100,000-seater stadium.A decision is expected on the Government-backed plans before the summer. More

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      Liverpool fans troll Everton in last Merseyside derby at Goodison Park with cheeky banner about moving ground

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      LIVERPOOL fans poked fun at Everton with a cheeky away end banner.The Toffees welcomed their Merseyside rivals to Goodison Park for the final time ahead of their departure for Bramley Moore Dock at the end of the season.Liverpool supporters held up a cheeky bannerCredit: AFPFans held up balloons depicting the last year that the Toffees won a trophyCredit: AFPA cheeky banner held up by away fans pointed to Everton’s lack of silverware in recent years.It read: “At least an empty cabinet is easier to move.”Fans also held up balloons with the numbers 30 and 1995, depicting how many years it’s been since Everton’s last trophy.The Toffees’ most recent silverware was the 1995 FA Cup, with Paul Rideout scoring the winner in the final against Manchester United.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSEverton fans held up banners of their own, with one reading: “We built this city – since 1878.”It ended up being a fitting final Merseyside derby at Goodison with the thrilling contest ending 2-2.All hell broke loose after the final whistle as well, with Arne Slot being sent off and a huge brawl involving police breaking out.The Toffees have been based at Goodison Park since 1892, having previously played at Anfield.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEverton held up a banner of their ownCredit: AFPThey will move to their new £760million Bramley Moore Dock home at the start of next season.The stadium is set to hold 52,888 fans.ITV forced to apologise as Plymouth hero says ‘I f—ing love it’ TWICE live on air after shocking LiverpoolA “Farewell to Goodison” festival is set to take place between May 30 and June 1.The event is set to feature appearances from club legends, as well as live music.Goodison changeMeanwhile, the site of Goodison Park is set to be turned into 10 new development blocks featuring 173 residential units and affordable housing.A new health centre is also set to be built, in addition to residential care facilities and an education facility.The Goodison Legacy Project commits to building a park, providing new green spaces for local residents.While new office spaces could provide job opportunities for locals.Beto celebrates firing Everton into the leadCredit: PA More

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      Everton star Iliman Ndiaye leaves pitch in tears after suffering horror injury against Liverpool

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      EVERTON star Iliman Ndiaye left the field in tears after picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool.The 24-year-old appeared to hurt his knee after accidentally booting the ground before making contact with the ball.Iliman Ndiaye seemed to injure his knee after kicking the floorCredit: GettyNdiaye looked in severe pain as he received treatmentCredit: ReutersThe Everton star left the field in tearsCredit: GettyIdrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure consoled their team mateCredit: GettyNdiaye immediately fell to the ground and medics rushed on to the pitch to attend to him.There was a four-minute delay to the game as the attacking midfielder received treatment.A devastated Ndiaye trudged off the field then burst into tears and hid his face in his shirt.Team-mates Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, rushed over to console him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNdiaye was also applauded by Everton fans as he limped down the tunnel.The Senegalese ace was eventually replaced by Jack Harrison 25 minutes into the Merseyside derby with the score 1-1.There was concern for Ndiaye from the TNT Sports commentary box, with Ally McCoist saying: “I think Dominik Szoboszlai might have caught Ndiaye and that is what knocks him off balance.”He kicks the floor. He looks like he may just have tweaked his knee.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSRio Ferdinand was equally worried, adding: “Sometimes you just know the severity of the injury when it is your own body. “You just hope the injury isn’t as bad as it seems right now.”It was a thrilling final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park which ultimately ended 2-2.After the full-time whistle all hell broke loose as a huge brawl broke out and Arne Slot was shown a red card.Everton and Liverpool stars sent off in post-match brawl as police intervene with Slot seeing red for handshake stunt More