Premier League statement after Merseyside derby brawl – police investigation begins

The Premier League has issued a statement following the brawl between Everton and Liverpool players following the Merseyside derby - with police launching an investigation.

Everton defender James Tarkowski caused wild scenes at Goodison Park when he fired in a half-volley from close range to secure a 2-2 draw for the Toffees in the second half of extra time.

Immediately after the match ended, teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure ran towards the Liverpool supporters and gestured towards them.

Liverpool's Curtis Jones then caused a furious scuffle by pushing the Frenchman, with a number of players from both sides joining the fray.

Both Jones and Doucoure were given second yellow cards by referee Michael Oliver, before Liverpool manager Arne Slot was sent off after aggressively shaking the referee's hand - although it is unclear whether he said anything inflammatory to Oliver at the same time.

After the match, the Premier League released an official statement via its Match Centre Twitter account – although it did not give a reason for any of the dismissals.

They wrote: "The referee issued second yellow and red cards to Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure after the final whistle."

"Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also given red cards directly after the final whistle."

After the full whistle, the police officers on duty were forced to intervene to calm the players, while investigations have begun. /Telegraph/