Everton’s focus is already on the Merseyside Derby this weekend, and the Premier League have now confirmed who will referee the contest.
Everton drew 2-2 with Brentford on Saturday, showing good character to come from behind twice against the Bees.
Early thoughts ahead of the Merseyside Derby? 👀
Danny Murphy.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Beto were both on target, as Everton left it late to take a point at the Gtech.
It was a positive result, and Everton will surely be feeling good ahead of hosting Liverpool for the very first time at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
There have been mixed fortunes at HDS this season as Everton have looked to get comfortable.
But the last result and performance against Chelsea was excellent, and now David Moyes will hope for a repeat of that against bitter rivals Liverpool.
Referee named for Everton vs Liverpool
Chris Kavanagh refereeing.
Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
The Premier League have today announced the referee appointments for this weekend’s Premier League fixtures.
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And the man who’ll take Everton vs Liverpool is none other than Chris Kavanagh, who is not the most popular figure with Evertonians.
He has been involved in a string of controversies including:
Leeds vs Everton (Aug 2025) – Awarded a penalty for handball by James Tarkowski. Ball struck his upper arm, which was not raised.
Chelsea vs Everton (Apr 2025) – No penalty awarded after Robert Sanchez wiped out Vitalii Mykolenko.
Crystal Palace vs Everton (Jan 2024) – Dominic Calvert-Lewin is sent off for a high foot as Kavanagh is helped out by VAR. Decision was later rescinded following an appeal by Everton.
Everton vs Tottenham (Nov 2021) – Gave Everton a penalty for a foul by Hugo Lloris on Richarlison, but overturned it after an apparent fingertip on the ball. Then sent off Mason Holgate in stoppage time.
Everton’s record this season with Chris Kavanagh as ref
This season, Everton have had Kavanagh as referee three times.
Everton lost to Leeds United 1-0 back in August, beat Nottingham Forest 3-0 in December, and then drew with Brighton 1-1 in January.
As everyone knows, the Merseyside Derby can be a feisty affair ad there is always potential for tempers to flare – and cards to therefore be given out.
Everton players talk to Chris Kavanagh.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Kavanagh has dished out 81 yellow cards and three reds so far this season in 22 matches. This gives him an average of 3.70 yellows per game.
Only two other referees have given out more yellow cards than him so far this term; Stuart Attwell with 92 and Anthony Taylor with 96.
His actual per 90 rate does put him down in 14th place though, out of 23.
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