Grealish Slams Referee After Controversial Call Overshadows Merseyside Derby
The Merseyside derby lived up to its reputation for passion and intensity — but this time, the post-match conversation wasn’t about goals or tackles. Instead, it was a refereeing decision that stunned both sets of players and fans.
Liverpool edged Everton 2–1 at Anfield, but after the final whistle, Jack Grealish openly blasted referee Darren England for enforcing what he called a rule he had “never even heard of.”
The Reds looked in control early, with Ryan Gravenberch striking first and Hugo Ekitike doubling the lead. Everton fought back, and Idrissa Gueye’s powerful finish before the hour mark set up a tense finale.
The turning point came when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earned a free-kick in a dangerous position. He tried to take it quickly, only for the referee to halt play and book him — a decision that triggered protests on the pitch, fury from the Everton bench, and disbelief from TV commentators.
Wearing the armband, Grealish confronted England and later vented his anger:
“I’ve never seen anyone booked for taking a quick free-kick in my entire career. I don’t even know what rule that’s supposed to be.”
For Grealish, the issue went beyond one yellow card. To him, what should have been quick thinking and initiative had been unfairly punished, undermining the spirit of the game.
Everton couldn’t find an equaliser, but the controversy guaranteed this derby will be remembered as much for the referee’s decision as Liverpool’s win. In Grealish’s words, matches should be decided by players — not by baffling officiating.
