The Merseyside derby is always packed with passion, pride, and unforgettable drama, but this time the headlines weren’t just about goals, crunching tackles, or Anfield’s electric atmosphere. Instead, it was about a refereeing decision that stunned players, fans, and commentators alike—a call that left Jack Grealish furious and speechless.
Liverpool edged Everton 2–1, but after the final whistle, Grealish openly criticised referee Darren England for applying what he described as a rule he had “never in his life heard of.” His anger and disbelief summed up the frustration coursing through the Everton camp.
Liverpool began strongly, with Ryan Gravenberch striking in the 10th minute and Hugo Ekitike doubling the lead soon after. Anfield erupted, and for a moment, it seemed like a routine day for the Reds. But derbies are never predictable. Everton clawed their way back after halftime, fighting with intensity and spirit. Idrissa Gueye’s thunderous finish just before the hour mark reignited the contest and put pressure on Liverpool’s back line.
It was during this spell of Everton momentum that the flashpoint arrived. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall earned a free-kick in a dangerous position and immediately tried to take it quickly, aiming to exploit Liverpool’s defence. But referee Darren England blew his whistle to stop play and, to the astonishment of everyone, produced a yellow card for Dewsbury-Hall. Players protested, the bench erupted, and TNT Sports commentators Darren Fletcher and Ally McCoist questioned the logic live on air.
Grealish, wearing the captain’s armband, was livid. Cameras caught him confronting the referee, gesturing furiously and demanding an explanation. Post-match, his criticism was blunt:
“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.”
For Grealish, this wasn’t just about one yellow card—it was about fairness and the very spirit of the game. In his eyes, Dewsbury-Hall had used quick thinking in a way football has always allowed, and punishing him for it felt like an injustice.
Everton couldn’t find an equaliser despite their spirited fightback, but the controversy ensured this derby will be remembered as much for the referee’s decision as for the scoreline. For Jack Grealish, the message was clear: football should be about players deciding the game, not baffling officiating.
