Liverpool fans displayed a provocative tongue-in-cheek banner before the final Merseyside derby kicked off at Goodison Park on Monday night. 

Pictures from the away end showed Reds fans lifting up balloons depicting the year 1995 and the number 30 – referencing the last time the Toffees won a trophy. 

Everton have a storied history as one of English football’s most successful clubs with nine top-flight titles and five FA Cups. 

Although they were taunted before kick-off, it was Everton fans who were cheering louder once the game kicked off, thanks to striker Beto’s 11-minute opener. 

But Liverpool were unhappy with referee Michael Oliver for giving a foul that resulted in the free-kick which led to the first goal of the match. 

Pictures from the away end showed Reds fans lifting up balloons depicting the year 1995 and the number 30 – referencing the last time the Toffees won a trophy

Reds fans were seen holding up another banner in reference to Everton’s recent lack of silverware, reading: ‘At least an emptier cabinet is easy to move’. 

Liverpool fans were back in fine voice just four minutes later when Alexis Mac Allister looped a header beyond Jordan Pickford to restore parity. 

There were further worries for David Moyes’ side when in-form attacker Iliman Ndiaye was forced off shortly after the 20-minute mark with an injury. 

While Blues fans will be sad to leave Goodison Park come the season’s end, they can look forward to playing at a shiny new 52,000 seater arena in the Bramley-Moore dock area of the city. 

At last, they also have the stability of new ownership after The Friedkin Group completed their takeover of the club in December.  

Friedkin, a stunt pilot and aviation expert worth £4.8billion, will lead the new empire and has appointed Marc Watts as executive chairman.

Upon confirmation of his takeover, Friedkin said: ‘Dear Evertonians, I want to express my gratitude for your continued support.

‘I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group.

‘Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution. The Friedkin Group is a diverse family of companies with a global footprint spanning industries such as sports, automotive, entertainment, hospitality, and adventure. 

Although they were taunted before kick-off, it was Everton fans who were cheering louder once the game kicked off, thanks to striker Beto’s 11-minute opener

Liverpool fans were back in fine voice just four minutes later when Alexis Mac Allister looped a header beyond Jordan Pickford to restore parity

‘Across all our endeavours, we strive to deliver extraordinary experiences that ignite people’s passions. We are thrilled to bring this ethos to Everton and the Liverpool City Region. 

‘Whilst we are new to the club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world. We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.’

Former Everton owner Farhad Moshiri shared his own statement as the news was confirmed, stating that the new owners represented ‘the best outcome’ after years of takeover speculation.

‘I truly believe that the transaction with The Friedkin Group is the best outcome for the Club and its future success,’ his statement read. 

It continued: ‘There has been a huge team effort in getting to this stage and I would like to personally thank my Board colleagues John Spellman and Colin Chong and all the senior management team including Katie, James, Richard and of course Kevin and Sean for their huge commitment to the Club.

‘Despite a challenging geopolitical backdrop, a significant amount has been achieved over the last couple of years including the delivery of a new sporting department, the stabilisation of our finances and the delivery of our iconic new stadium.

‘I now hand over to new owners confident in the outlook for the Club and that our incredible fans will see the success on the pitch that they so thoroughly deserve.