Jordan Henderson bore no ill feelings towards Ross Barkley after the Liverpool captain escaped serious injury from a “mistimed” tackle by the Everton midfielder.
Liverpool won Monday night’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park 1-0, courtesy of an injury-time goal by Senegalese forward Sadio Mane.
However, the game’s biggest talking point was Barkley’s challenge on England teammate Henderson, a challenge both managers agreed could have resulted in a red card.
“I thought it was a harsh challenge,” Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp said.
“You all saw it, I don’t have to say anything about it. I think Ross is lucky and Hendo is lucky too that nothing else happened.”
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Everton manager Ronald Koeman also thought it could have been a sending off offence, although the Dutchman claimed Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren was fortunate to remain on the pitch for his part in the fracas that followed.
“It was a tough tackle, maybe it’s a red,” he said. “But what happened after this is not a fair decision from the referee.
“Maybe it’s a red for Barkley but, there was a reaction from several players but it was started by Lovren.
“He already had a yellow and the referee gave a yellow to (Seamus) Coleman and nobody else. If you’re straight, you give Lovren his second yellow, Coleman a yellow and maybe a red card.”
However, Henderson forgave Barkley in his post-match interview.
“I think it was pretty late but I know Ross well and he’s a good lad. I’m good friends with him,” said Henderson.
“He mistimed the tackle and after the game he apologised.
“It was a little bit late but thankfully I’m alright and walking around. It was just mistimed and you’re going to get them in derby games.
“It’s a derby and it doesn’t matter if you’re friends off the pitch or on the national team.
“When you’re on the pitch you give 100 per cent to win the game and after the game you shake hands and move on. Ross is a good lad and I think he just mistimed one.”
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