#MERSEYMONDAY did not quite live up to the hype, much like every single match that Sky Sports give a ridiculous Hollywood title to, on Monday night as both sides contested a scrappy affair at Goodison Park.
While there was not much quality on show in terms of attacking football, we were instead witness to a feisty and passionate affair between two sides who could not bear the thought of losing to the other, and throughout the match there were a number of clashes that sparked a response from the crowd.
Liverpool claimed a late, late winner throught Sadio Mane, but the main talking point from the match will be Ross Barkley's challenge on Jordan Henderson in the second half. The Everton man flew in late and caught Henderson with his studs, and if he was attempting to play the ball he got it very, very wrong..
.@RBarkley20 lucky to get away with just a yellow? #PL #MerseysideDerby pic.twitter.com/HrTkNrtd6y
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) December 19, 2016
The Liverpool players were enraged, and so were the fans, along with many neutrals watching the game. And to be fair, considering the red card shown to Jamie Vardy at the weekend, they have a point.
That is a terrible tackle by Barkley. Obvious straight red
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) December 19, 2016
Barkley shd have seen red for that. Bad challenge. Lovren walking fine line too.
— Matt Smith (@msmith850) December 19, 2016
Disgusting, ankle breaker on our captain ?#EVELIV https://t.co/gHIjh48R0O
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) December 19, 2016
That should be a red for Barkley aswell. Thats a horrible tackle
— Bateson87 (@bateson87) December 19, 2016
That's a definite red card. Awful tackle by Barkley. Got none of the ball & studs up. Shocking ref
— LFC Fans Corner (@LFCFansCorner) December 19, 2016
How Barkley wasn't sent off is beyond me. Retrospective action has to be taken. #MerseysideDerby
— Deejay (@Deezy_3000) December 19, 2016
Tell you what that's a red card for Barkley imo. Poor challenge there. Inconsistent from the refs again.
— Damian Mc Auley (@deeginger99) December 19, 2016
How barkley get away with only a yellow , that is a horrendous tackle !! Surely got to get a 10 game ban & a year fine
— Jay (@jaymccutcheo89) December 19, 2016
Shameful challenge from Barkley on Henderson. Cowardly and no room for that in the game. Think he can look forward to a few weeks off banned
— Jim Bourne (@JimBourne5) December 19, 2016
That challenge from Ross Barkley man. That's a straight red ALL DAY. Disgusting tackle
— sam (@_afivestarman) December 19, 2016
Proper joke how Vardy got a red for his challenge yet Barkley's was ten times worse and got away with it
— Jack (@mackjcallister) December 19, 2016
Not only is Barkley a scumbag, he's one of the most over rated players in England. Hope Liverpool knick this
— Aidan Flannery (@AidanFlannery1) December 19, 2016
That Barkley challenge was definitely a sending off could have broke his leg
— Daniel McGuigan (@danielmcguigan) December 19, 2016
Ross Barkley is lucky to walk away with just a yellow card. That was a malicious tackle. #EVELIV
— Simbarashe Muzavazi (@YoBoiTristan_21) December 19, 2016
After Marcos Rojo's recent incidents there has been a lot of scrutiny on heavy challenges, so it is surprising that this one was missed by Mike Dean, who could not be described as shy when it comes to handing out the cards.
