Celebration police are missing the point - Everton scenes meant much more than draw with Liverpool
Oh look out, here they come, fresh from the final entry into the pantheon of great Goodison Park Merseyside derbies between Everton and Liverpool. It's the celebration police.
Just imagine being an Evertonian in that ground last night and not celebrating James Tarkowski's 98th-minute equaliser like it was a winner.
Yes, Blues do know it wasn't an actual Merseyside derby winner. But, then again, they don't need reminding of what one of those looks like. You only have to go back to April 24 last year for that.
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You have to go a lot further back to the last time Everton lifted a piece of silverware, though. And if they needed one, the home fans got a reminder from the away end last night of exactly how many years that was ago. Clearly, Card Factory had been doing a roaring trade before kick-off.
Evertonians, like David Moyes, aren't stupid. They know the huge gap that exists between the clubs and they would clearly like to be in the position their neighbours are. They know they don't get trophies for derby draws.
But, really, life-affirming moments like the one experienced when Tarkowski's unstoppable shot hit the back of the Gwladys Street net are what you are in this game for. If you can't enjoy those moments, this game's not for you. Pack it in now.
The joyous, spine-tingling scenes at full-time were about much more than just the goal, though, and that's why the online celebration police are completely missing the point.
I don't buy Virgil van Dijk's put-down that the derby is Everton's 'cup final'. It means just as much to Liverpool. Anyone who has grown up or lived around here knows that. The Reds' reaction at the full-time whistle at seeing two points snatched from their grasp showed that, too.
But maybe last night did mean more to Blues. After all, Goodison won't see the likes again.
And, as you looked around at the home stands, still packed long after the final whistle, it did hit you that this was a celebration of the famous old ground and its intoxicating power as much as the result itself. Nobody wanted to leave.
Everton still have six home games to play before they say goodbye to L4 forever. But this felt like the perfect send-off before the move to the magnificent new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.
And it is magnificent, as supporters will see for the first time on Monday night when the first of the club's test events are held.
But I'm not sure anything will replicate Goodison. You can't build soul. And that is what Goodison has in spades.
Don't let anyone tell you differently. Last night was special. Last night was worth celebrating.