Everton lost 2-1 to Liverpool in the 247th Merseyside derby on Saturday afternoon.
Everton’s poor start ultimately cost them, despite a much-improved second half, which they actually won 1-0.
David Moyes wasn’t happy with the officiating, and he was seen remonstrating with the referee after the game.
“I think three minutes (stoppage time) was very strange (and) we’ve been playing a couple of teams who’ve taken quick free-kicks in the games and they’ve caught us out.
“But today, every quick free-kick had to be stopped and brought back for the whistle. And then we got a booking for it.”
It was Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall who picked up the controversial booking for simply taking a quick free-kick, and now he’s reacted to that incident on social media.
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Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall reacts to controversial yellow card in Merseyside derby
As well as Moyes, Jack Grealish went straight over to referee Darren England at full-time and actually picked up a yellow card.
“It was a bit frustrating in the second half because they were trying to slow the game down at times,” Grealish said post-match. “I’ve never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick. I don’t know where that rules come in.”
Dewsbury-Hall took to Instagram to react to the bizarre decision.
“Spirited performance second half but ultimately disappointing result. Quick turnaround to put it right Tuesday! Amazing support. Let’s not talk about that yellow…”
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall now at risk of suspension
Dewsbury-Hall has now picked up four yellow cards this season, which means he’s now one away from picking up a one-game suspension.
The cards don’t reset until the 19th game of the season, so the all-action midfielder will have to tread carefully until Christmas.
If Dewsbury-Hall does have to serve a suspension, at least Everton now have a very proficient backup in Merlin Rohl.
Rohl was picked up a knock this week, so was absent from the matchday squad against Liverpool yesterday.
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