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Ronald Koeman critical of 'crazy' Liverpool bench after Everton lose

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Ronald Koeman felt the final result did not reflect Everton's performance

Ronald Koeman complained about "crazy" behaviour from Liverpool's bench after Everton were beaten 3-1 at Anfield on Saturday.

Koeman and opposite number Jurgen Klopp exchanged words during a match that saw several hard tackles.

The Liverpool bench appeared to be particularly aggrieved that Ross Barkley received only a yellow card for a high tackle on Dejan Lovren in the 38th minute.

But Everton manager Koeman told Sky Sports: "I don't like coaches from the bench the whole time shouting to referees and to linesmen and to make a big show about tackles. It was one tackle and they were crazy, even though it didn't need a physio on the pitch.

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Phil Jagielka blamed defensive errors as Everton lost 3-1 to Liverpool

"It's not what I like, it's a man's sport and your behaviour has to be like that. It's part of football. We don't make a show like the Liverpool bench, we are different, we are into the game, and not about what happens with referees and linesmen and tackles."

Klopp did not want to be drawn into a row with the Dutchman.

"It's a little bit difficult," he said. "It's like hearsay for me. He didn't say anything to me. We shook hands after the game and so I don't think it's my job to speak about him.

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"My staff is fine, really good boys, involved in the game. They don't ask for anything that's not right. Sometimes we have tinted glasses - it's possible - but sometimes it's pretty clear."

While there was controversy about some of the challenges, there was little disputing the result as Everton's winless run against Liverpool in the league extended to 13 matches.

They have still not won at Anfield since 1999.

But Koeman said he was "proud" of his side, who levelled through Matthew Pennington on his first appearance of the season but otherwise offered little attacking threat.

"I'm proud, I'm really proud about the team, how we played today. Of course we lost the game, but I think the final result is not reflecting in our performance," he said.

"They have some quality players. Overall I think we can be proud of the way we played, how difficult we made it for Liverpool. That's the way we like to play and how we'd like to continue."

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