In advance of their weekend matchup, which will see Liverpool and Everton rekindle their feud, Daily Star Sport has compiled a list of all 22 red cards issued in previous meetings between the two teams.
Red vs. blue, Liverpool vs. Everton: the Merseyside Derby is upon us once more.
Every derby is fought with a little more vigour than a regular match, and while the passion on the pitch may not be as high these days, it is unquestionably present in the crowd. Additionally, if the flame touches the pitch, a brief blood rush to the head may result.
The two Merseyside rivals also have the dirtiest derby in the history of the Premier League, with 22 red cards issued for punches, kicks, stamps, horror tackles and other violent offences, as well as iconic moments of insanity from players like Steven Gerrard and Phil Neville.
Sean Dyche’s team is bumbling and tripping their way towards the bottom of the table, therefore Everton needs a victory on Saturday at noon. Liverpool, however, has rediscovered its rhythm again under Jurgen Klopp this year, and they need a win to bolster their burgeoning title bid.
In advance of their matchup on Saturday, Daily Star Sport examines all 22 red cards issued in the contest, dating back to:
Everton 1-1 Liverpool 1996/97 – Fowler, Unsworth
Amazingly, the Merseyside Derby didn’t see its first red in the Premier League era until 1996, and two of them came at once thanks to Robbie Fowler and David Unsworth.
Following a very serious challenge, the iconic reds forward and blues favourite defender exchanged punches—or, more accurately, they clutched at each other’s faces—and were both given three-match suspensions.
Liverpool 0-1 Everton 1999/00 – Westerveld, Gerrard, Jeffers
Remember Francis Jeffers? He was dismissed after a collision with Reds custodian Sander Westerveld in the penalty area.
When a young Steven Gerrard got too close to Kevin Campbell and left stud marks on his thigh, he joined the pair—not for the last time.
Liverpool 3-1 Everton 2000/01 – Gravesen
In 2000, Vladimir Smicer came through on goal and Thomas Gravesen brought him down in the penalty area at Anfield. This resulted in a loss for Walter Smith’s team, who went on to finish 16th in the standings.
Gravesen, a fiery character known as “mad dog,” was a cult hero for the Toffees, although during his professional career, he only ever received three red cards.
Everton 2-3 Liverpool 2000/01 – Biscan
Despite Croatian international Igor Biscan’s late tackle on Unsworth earning him a second yellow and leaving Liverpool with 10 men, Everton nevertheless lost the rematch that season.
Everton 1-2 Liverpool 2002/2003 – Weir, Naysmith
In this match at Goodison Park, David Weir and Gary Naysmith both received a red card after intentionally tripping El Hadji Diouf while already on a booking and the former smashing into Steven Gerrard for a second yellow.
The stars of Liverpool didn’t get along with Diouf too well, and Jamie Carragher has subsequently started a fight with the striker.
Liverpool 2-1 Everton 2004/05 – Baros
Milan Baros, the top scorer at Euro 2004 and Liverpool’s opponent against Everton in the 2004–05 season, was sent off at Anfield after colliding with Alan Stubbs during a high challenge for the ball, but it didn’t prevent the hosts from earning another three points.
Baros, who took part in the Miracle of Istanbul later that season, saw better days ahead.
Everton 1-3 Liverpool 2005/06 – Arteta, Neville
In this derby, former Manchester United player Phil Neville received two yellow cards, the second for kicking Djibril Cisse, which was, understandably, enthusiastically embraced by the opposing crowd. Then, Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, joined him and tackled his fellow countryman Luis Garcia, but it was far from the worst on this list.
Liverpool 3-1 Everton 2005/2006 – Gerrard, Van der Meyde
The first player on this list to appear twice is Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, who, after kicking the ball away in rage, made a nasty challenge on Kevin Kilbane.
Andy van der Meyde was also sent off for an idiotic elbow to the face of Xabi Alonso during a tackle for the ball, which came after 10-men Liverpool gave Everton the runaround.
Everton 1-2 Liverpool 2007/2008 – Hibbert, Neville
Once more, Neville was dismissed for handling the ball on the goal line as Lucas was about to score.
In the meantime, Tony Hibbert first received a booking for bringing down Steven Gerrard while the Reds captain was in the penalty area, but the official changed his decision after Gerrard reminded Mark Clattenburg of his obligations.
Everton 0-2 Liverpool 2008/09 – Cahill
Australian talisman Tim Cahill of Everton was sent off for a strong charge on Xabi Alonso, resulting in a loss for the blues at home.
Liverpool 1-0 Everton 2009/10 – Kyrgiakos, Pienaar
After both teams were down to 10, Liverpool narrowly took the lead.
First, Greek behemoth Sotirios Kyrgiakos was sent off for recklessly lunging in on Marouane Fellaini while the Belgian midfielder also showed no mercy. Then, Steven Pienaar lost his cool after receiving a warning for a relatively harmless aerial challenge on Steven Gerrard.
Everton 0-2 Liverpool 2011/12 – Rodwell
Young Jack Rodwell controversially received a red card for tripping Luis Suarez; the Uruguayan later had the decision reversed.
The less said about Rodwell’s move to Manchester City that summer, the better.
Liverpool 4-0 Everton 2015/16 – Funes Mori
In 2015–16, Ramiro Funes Mori’s horror challenge resulted in a red, which resulted in Divock Origi being the victim and being sidelined. Mori famously got his comeuppance by scoring no fewer than six derby goals against the blues while kissing his badge as he received his marching orders.
Everton 2-2 Liverpool 2020/21 – Richarlison
Back in 2020, Richarlison’s terrible tackle on Thiago Alcantara resulted in his dismissal, and he later expressed regret to the player he had rendered ineffective for two and a half months.
The red card Jordan Pickford did not earn for ending Virgil van Dijk’s season with a horrific challenge that went unpunished, however, makes this game at Goodison more infamous.