Sadio Mane avoids red card despite raising hands to Allan AND Mason Holgate during Liverpoool’s spicy Merseyside derby against Everton

Sadio Mane avoided a red card in a spicy Merseyside derby despite raising his hands to Everton players TWICE.

A skirmish between both sets of players broke out just before half time after Everton players took issue with Liverpool refusing to put the ball out of play despite Richarlison going to ground.

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Both Mane and Abdoulaye Doucoure were booked after things died down, however, the Liverpool forward was perhaps fortunate to stay on the pitch.

Mane was filmed raising his hands on two separated occasions, pushing Toffees midfielder Allan's face.

The Senegal international was also seen pushing the nose of Everton defender Mason Holgate with his finger.

On Mane's actions, Liverpool legend Graeme Souness said: "Mane’s lucky here. He’s pushed someone, maybe actually tried to poke someone. There’s more intent than just a push.”

Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell added: “That's a gouge.”

It was looking to be a frustrating afternoon for the title-chasing Reds, who struggled to break down the resolute Everton defence for the first hour at Anfield.

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However, they finally got past Frank Lampard's back line on 63 minutes as Andy Robertson headed in Mohamed Salah's cross from close range.

Substitute Divock Origi sealed Liverpool the 2-0 win with a header from close range as the Reds reduced the gap on Premier League leaders Manchester City to a point.

Meanwhile, Everton are in the relegation zone having fallen in just before the match started due to Burnley's win over Wolves.