Jack Grealish voiced his frustration after Everton’s 2-1 Merseyside derby defeat to Liverpool, blasting referee Darren England for a decision he claimed he had “never heard of” in football.
The flashpoint came in the second half when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall attempted to take a quick free-kick, only to be denied by England, who then went on to book the midfielder. Both David Moyes and the TNT Sports commentary team of Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist expressed disbelief at the call.
After the match, Grealish didn’t hold back in his post-game interview:
“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.”
The 30-year-old admitted the decision left him baffled, adding to the frustration of a derby where Everton fought hard but came up short.
Reflecting on the game, Grealish said:
“It was what I expected, coming here it was hostile, faster. I don’t think we played well in the first half… in the second half we pressed better and got a goal back, but couldn’t find the equaliser.”
Liverpool had raced into a 2-0 lead through Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike, before Idrissa Gueye struck to give Everton hope. Despite a strong response, Moyes’ side couldn’t find the leveller.
Grealish, who impressed with another tireless performance, cut a frustrated figure as he called for greater consistency from officials. Everton now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup clash with Wolves before resuming their league campaign against West Ham United on September 29.
