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Last Updated: Sunday, 21 October 2007, 13:20 GMT 14:20 UK
Kuyt 'lucky' to avoid dismissal
Dirk Kuyt challenges Phil Neville
Many expected Kuyt to see red for his reckless lunge
Liverpool striker Dirk Kuyt admitted he could have been sent off for his rash challenge on Phil Neville in Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

The Dutchman was only booked for an aerial two-footed lunge and said: "Maybe I was a bit lucky.

"I was trying to make a tackle, I did not want to touch him, and I didn't."

Everton defender Alan Stubbs disagreed and said: "In the laws of the game if a player goes with two feet and makes a lunge, that's what it was, it's a red."

Everton players felt aggrieved with referee Mark Clattenburg on a number of occasions.

The home side had two penalty claims rejected, while Liverpool were awarded two spot-kicks, both of which were successfully converted by Kuyt.

In addition, there was the dismissal of Tony Hibbert for tripping Steven Gerrard for the first penalty - a decision which Stubbs suggested was influenced by the Liverpool captain.


"The referee went to book Tony Hibbert holding a yellow card, their player (Gerrard) walks past him (the referee) and it's changed to a red," Stubbs fumed.

"We were 1-0 at half-time and on top, we had control of the game.

"The penalty changed everything, it gave them impetus and we were a man down.

"We are disappointed because we have lost. But there was zero feedback from the referee, I think they should have to come out after a game and explain themselves.

"We have to explain ourselves if we make bad decisions or mistakes, why not referees?"

Kuyt was delighted to secure a victory that keeps Liverpool in the top four.

"You could see our reaction after the game and what it meant to all of us," he said.

"Derby wins mean a lot to people like Jamie (Carragher) and Stevie, but they mean a lot to the rest of the players as well, we all understand how important these derby games are to our fans."

Everton 1-2 Liverpool
20 Oct 07 |  Premier League


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