The Merseyside Derby is never short on drama but one clash between Liverpool and Everton from 2012 has gone down in history for an infamous celebration by ex-Reds’ star Luis Suarez
David Moyes watches Luis Suarez celebrate after scoring for Liverpool against Everton
David Moyes watches Luis Suarez celebrate after scoring for Liverpool against Everton
The Merseyside Derby has thrown up many memorable moments over the years with the 247th meeting set for Saturday lunchtime. However, one of the most iconic came courtesy of former Liverpool star Luis Suarez and a wild celebration that’s gone down in derby folklore.
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For arguably the storied game’s most comical incident, you have to rewind back to October 28, 2012, when Liverpool faced Everton at Goodison Park in the first all-Merseyside clash of the season.
On the eve of the encounter, Everton boss David Moyes, then in his first stint with the Toffees, stoked the flames by reprimanding Suarez for going down too easily in their previous meeting.
The Liverpool striker performed a theatrical tumble the season before that saw Jack Rodwell receive a red card, which was later rescinded.
Moyes’ comments seemed to provoke an inspired display out of the controversial Uruguayan as, just 14 minutes in, Suarez let Moyes know just what he thought of his remarks after he managed to bury the ball in the net from an acute angle.
While it was later credited as a Leighton Baines own goal through a slight deflection, Liverpool’s then-number seven didn’t seem to care. He hastily made his way over to Moyes in Everton’s technical area to flamboyantly throw himself on the ground in front of the Scot, spreading his arms out wide.
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Luis Suarez celebrates his goal with Martin Skrtel infront of Everton Manager David Moyes,after making it 1-0 for Liverpool.
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Luis Suarez celebrates his goal with Martin Skrtel infront of Everton Manager David Moyes,after making it 1-0 for Liverpool.(Image: Andrew Teebay. )
Suarez went on to score another minutes later, before Everton fought their way back via Leon Osman and Steven Naismith, earning the Blues a point. While many other managers may have been incensed by Suarez’s mocking gesture, Moyes displayed his humility, and sense of humour, in his post-match interview.
“I thought it was great,” Moyes said upon being asked about Suarez’s celebration. “I’d have probably done the same if I had been the player, but he’s going to have to dive in front of a lot of managers I think so I might have done the same to him. If we’d won 3-2 I might have done one in front of him as well.”
The Scot even used the occasion to slam his own captain for, what he perceived, as diving in the fixture. He added: “Phil Neville went down too easily, and I told him about it so if you go down easy then as a manager you should tell them and you don’t want to get a reputation for being that sort of player.”
Everton manager David Moyes looks on
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David Moyes saw the funny side after the celebration(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Prior to the game, Moyes addressed his thoughts on the more unsavoury side of Suarez’s game. “I’ve got concerns about Suarez, yes – because he’s got history and these people are very good at it,” he said.
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“Last year was a dive, and the referee made a really poor decision that ruined the game after 15 minutes. Look, when you’re out to manufacture results, supporters don’t like it.”
Everton proved to be one of Suarez’s favourite teams to face. The enigmatic forward bagged five goals and four assists in six games against the Blues, and was never on the losing side, as his celebration in the 2012 tie produced one of the Merseyside Derby’s most enduring images.
Liverpool host Everton at Anfield on Saturday with the Premier League champions riding high with four wins from four in the league. However, the Blues have had a spirited beginning to the new season with back-to-back wins over Brighton and Wolves preceding last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa.
