Everton manager Roberto Martinez has refuted claims made by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers that Kevin Mirallas should have been sent off in this afternoon's 3-3 draw in the Merseyside derby.
The Liverpool-based outfits renewed hostilities for the first time this season, as Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez registered a 2-1 half-time lead for the visitors either side of a Mirallas equaliser.
The Toffees looked poised to secure the bragging rights, courtesy of a double from Romelu Lukaku, only for Daniel Sturridge to equalise in the dying stages.
However, there was a moment of controversy on the half-hour mark as the Belgian received a yellow card for a high tackle on Suarez, prompting Rodgers to assert that the 26-year-old should have been sent off.
While Martinez admits that he can understand the frustration of his opposition manager, the Spaniard does not believe that the challenge merited a red card.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Wigan Athletic coach said: "I don't think it is a red card because it is not a malicious incident, he tries to win the ball but gets there late.
"I think a yellow card, bearing in mind the emotions you bring into a derby, was the right decision. But I can see why, if that had been against my team, I would've been thinking it would have been a red card.
"I think the referee was very right to give it as a yellow card. He allowed the whole game to be played at a very good tempo and was outstanding playing the advantage."
Consequently Liverpool slip to four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, while Everton remain in fifth.
Shane Callaghan
