Everton Chairman Ejects Liverpool Legends After Stadium Drama

Gary McAllister has recalled a memorable encounter with the late Everton chairman Bill Kenwright at Goodison Park. The anecdote came during a Forever Reds Christmas lunch at Anfield. McAllister was reflecting on a dramatic Merseyside night in December 2016.

Goodison flashpoint

That night Sadio Mane scored a 94th-minute winner to give Liverpool a 1-0 victory. McAllister was in the hospitality suite with Sir Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush. Their presence prompted a blunt reaction from Kenwright, who told the trio to leave amid good-natured frustration.

The moment played out like a mini stadium drama. The Everton chairman’s irritation followed Everton’s late defeat.

Legends and Merseyside records

Ian Rush enjoyed a prolific record against Everton. He scored 20 goals versus the Blues, ten of them at Goodison. One standout performance was his four-goal haul in a 5-0 win in November 1982.

Kenny Dalglish also had notable success in these fixtures. He scored five times against Everton, with two strikes at Goodison. One came in the opening minute of a memorable 3-2 win in September 1985.

McAllister’s derby moment

McAllister reminded listeners of his late free-kick winner at Goodison in April 2001. He described how a previous set-piece from the same spot had not worked. That sequence helped him spot the goalkeeper’s intentions.

He had signalled for teammates Sami Hyypia, Ryan Babel and Emile Heskey to attack the back post. Jamie Carragher warned him not to. When McAllister noticed Paul Gerrard committing early, he altered the plan and scored.

Aftermath and reactions

McAllister said the dressing-room scenes made the victory sweeter. He mentioned the delight of coaches Sammy Lee and Phil Thompson. He also joked about how Everton fans reacted.

McAllister left Liverpool to become player-manager at Coventry City in 2002. He had won four major trophies with the Reds before moving on.

Filmogaz.com contacted attendees for context. The story underlined how local derbies can ignite strong feelings. It also showed why the sight of Liverpool legends together can unsettle rivals.