Ex-Liverpool star involved in 13-player bust-up after Everton beat Newcastle
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius renewed rivalries with Everton when he joined a fracas at the end of the Toffees' Premier League victory over Newcastle United.
Karius, who started for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, joined Newcastle as a free agent last season. He has found minutes hard to come by but played in the 2023 Carabao Cup final for the Magpies with Nick Pope suspended and Martin Dubravka cup-tied.
With Pope now facing several months on the sidelines, Karius was the first reserve as Dubravka started at Goodison Park on Thursday night. The German didn't get any minutes, but he was involved in a bust-up which also involved Everton's former Sunderland keeper Jordan Pickford.
"I've got no idea what it was about - I think it was just emotions running high after the game," Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said when asked about the goings-on. Newcastle, who beat Manchester United over the weekend, conceded to Dwight McNeil, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Beto in the final 15 minutes as Everton came away with all three points.
As reported by The Echo, Karius appeared to have a coming together with Everton defender James Tarkowski. His Newcastle team-mates Fabian Schar and Joelinton were also involved in the fracas, which eventually dissipated to allow the home side to celebrate.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disasterThe result leaves Newcastle seventh in the table, four points behind reigning champions Manchester City in fourth and 10 adrift of league leaders Arsenal. Fifth place could yet be enough for Champions League next term, though, and Newcastle remain a point adrift of Spurs, who occupy that position after the Londoners lost at home to West Ham.
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Everton's victory helped them continue their ascent as they look to overcome a record points deduction and secure Premier League survival. Sean Dyche's men climbed out of the bottom three with their victory, after fellow strugglers Luton suffered a late defeat against Arsenal on Tuesday.
"Without those 10 points [deducted], we'd be in an amazing position - 20 points would be amazing relatively to the last two seasons here," Everton boss Sean Dyche told BBC Radio 5 Live after the win. "We'll see what the appeal brings. The mentality is key for me, we took a knock but there have been a lot of knocks here over the last couple of years.
"But the team mentality is growing. I can't emphasise it enough, the commitment to each other and the connection is a powerful thing because I know we've got quality."