What referee told Everton star after Liverpool controversy left David Moyes furious
Liverpool beat Everton 1-0 to move one step closer to the Premier League title but David Moyes was among those who had some questions over Diogo Jota's winning goal
Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed that referee Samuel Barrott said he was 'looking into' whether or not Luis Diaz was offside in the build-up to Liverpool's winning goal in the Merseyside derby, only for the goal to be given following a VAR check.
Diogo Jota plundered the game's only goal in the second half after being teed up Diaz, who had move back into an onside position after being stood beyond Everton's defence earlier in the passage of play. He did not interfere with play, though, meaning the on-field decision stood as the Reds went on to see out a priceless 1-0 victory.
The decision was a controversial one with Toffees boss, David Moyes, hitting out at the call post-match. And Branthwaite says he was quick to point out Diaz's positioning during the match.
Branthwaite told evertontv: “It's always going to be tough when you come to Anfield. We knew that as a team, we knew we were going to have to dig in. I think at the end you can see the disappointment in us. We've had the chances to score goals, and we haven't taken them today.
READ MORE: Everton captain James Tarkowski breaks silence on Alexis Mac Allister horror tackleREAD MORE: Arne Slot responds as PGMOL admit controversial mistake in Liverpool vs Everton“Maybe on a different day, they fall in. Their goal, to me, looked offside, which I said to the referee. He was looking at it, he says he knew what he's looking at, but then he's looked at it and not given it, so I can't really get my head around it.
“I said, ‘Are you looking at the Tarky (offside) with Diaz?’ He says, ‘Yeah, I'm looking at it’. He looks at it and doesn't give it, so I don't know what he's done there.
“We had the chances to get back into the game, chances to go in the lead in the first half especially. It's just one of those games. They're a top side and they've come away with a win.”
Moyes pulled no punches with his own post-match assessment, where the Scot questioned why the goal had been allowed to stand given Diaz was clearly offside just seconds before he assisted Jota.
The Everton boss fumed: “He’s offside. It’s quite an easy one to give as well because all our players are holding on the 18-yard line and Diaz comes from behind and affects us from behind clearing it.
“I’m really surprised it wasn’t given or maybe I’m not surprised. I don’t think there are many managers who come here and think they get loads of decisions. That’s my opinion and this was one tonight, which I think is very easy to give offside, very easy.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes more than 1,000 live matches each season across the Premier League, EFL and more.