The friendly derby is what the clash between these two Merseyside clubs has been called in recent years, but statistically it seems incorrect.
Liverpool’s Adam Lallana in action with Everton’s Leighton Baines and Aaron Lennon
When two football clubs share a city they also tend to share a bitter rivalry, and whilst some may tell you otherwise the same can be said of Liverpool and Everton. The two sides have competed in cup competitions, friendlies and even battled it out for the league title, but through all that fans of recent times have deemed the rivalry as the ‘friendly derby’.
If you look at the statistics alone, that could not be further from the truth. Since 2000, there have been 154 yellow cards and 17 reds shown over the course of their games against each other.
Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard scores against Everton in 2005
This baffling fact is made even more surprising when you consider that no other derby in the country has seen that kind of foul play since the millennium, with the North London derby being the only one that comes close.
But as we all know statistics are not everything. In recent years, Everton have been quick to mock Liverpool fans more so than often after their recent shortcomings in both the league and Europe. This has supposedly led to more altercations between the Toffees and the Reds faithful, and things only look set to intensify further as Everton look to compete with their rivals in the top flight.
You can expect even more fireworks when the two sides meet again this season.
Daniel Sturridge celebrates with team mates after scoring for Liverpool in the 4-0 win over Everton
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
