Everton suffered a 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in Saturday’s Merseyside derby.
David Moyes‘ side got off to a really poor start, shipping two goals in the first 30 minutes, but from then on, they were perhaps the better side.
Everton actually won the second half 1-0, with Idrissa Gana Gueye netting a superb right-footed strike into the top corner.
So there are positives to take, but the immediate emotion was frustration as Moyes was critical of the referee Darren England.
Speaking post-match, he said: “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. I find it quite unbelievable. They’re talking about trying to keep the game quick.”
Former referee Mark Clattenburg has now given his verdict on England’s officiating at Anfield.
- READ MORE: Everton star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall reacts on social media to controversial yellow card vs Liverpool
Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Darren England after Merseyside derby
Speaking on Beyond The Back Four, Clattenberg was very critical of England’s performance and said he didn’t handle the atmosphere well.
“Thought Darren England, some decision-making was strange,” Clattenberg admitted.
“Not in keeping with what’s expected at PL level. Added on time, Everton chasing game. Difficult fixture as I know. Easier at Liverpool than Everton, but England didn’t handle pressure like a top ref would have.
“When at Goodison, fans on top of you. Different atmosphere. Compared to other derbies, harder at City than United, Tottenham than Arsenal. Added on pressure when going to the less successful side, underdog trying to beat the big team.
“Felt England didn’t manage atmosphere well. Liverpool putting pressure on him like they have been all season. Something in Slot’s attitude, like Sir Alex Ferguson of old.”
Jack Grealish was furious with Darren England
Jack Grealish was seen remonstrating with England at the full-time whistle and was actually given a yellow card.
He didn’t hold back in his post-match interview about the referee.
“They were trying to slow the game down at times. I’ve never seen a player in my whole life get booked for taking a quick free-kick. I don’t know where that rule has come in. Even the stoppage time, three minutes and one minute – I’ve never seen that in the Premier League in the last two or three years.
“There were frustrations with the referee. Sometimes you want to let the game go, I completely get that, but you can’t not give us something and then two seconds later one of their defenders goes down after getting touched in the back and he gives it.
“You come to these stadiums and the crowd are on them, I feel that they feel they have to give it. Kiernan [Dewsbury-Hall] is on four yellows now and he got one for taking a quick free-kick. We want to get the game going, we’re losing.”
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
