Everton boss David Moyes has claimed that the Premier League "let themselves down" by scheduling the Merseyside derby just three days before Everton's FA Cup clash with Sunderland.
The Scot was criticised following the 3-0 defeat at Anfield for failing to field a full-strength.
Moyes, who has no regrets over his team selection, has hit out at the timing of the game.
"To put that game in there before quarter-finals involving both teams, you think it hardly makes sense. I think the Premier League let themselves down with that," he told The Mirror.
"When you put fixtures in like the one we had before a game, then the Premier League are going to lose crowds and support, because we can't obviously fit that in, if you're going to put a midweek game in before a quarter-final tie.
"I think the Premier League are the ones who are now beginning to let themselves down with the way they are doing it."
The Toffees have won their last five games at Goodison Park.
