In a stunning revelation that lifts the lid on one of football's most intense rivalries, former Everton midfielder Royston Drenthe and ex-Liverpool winger Ryan Babel have disclosed the explosive dressing room confrontation that followed their fiery Merseyside derby clash.
The Derby Flashpoint
The incident unfolded during Everton's dramatic 2-0 victory over their city rivals at Goodison Park, a match that saw both Dutch internationals at the centre of controversy. Drenthe, then on loan at Everton from Real Madrid, had infuriated the Liverpool camp with his provocative celebration after setting up the opening goal.
"I celebrated really fiercely in front of their fans," Drenthe admitted during their joint appearance on the Casino Norway podcast. "I was just so full of emotion and passion in that moment."
Dressing Room Tensions Boil Over
What happened after the final whistle, however, shocked even the most seasoned Premier League observers. Babel revealed how the confrontation escalated beyond typical post-match exchanges.
"It got really heated between us in the dressing room area," Babel confessed. "Royston was shouting, I was shouting back, and it nearly came to actual blows. The situation became so intense that security personnel had to physically intervene to prevent it from turning violent."
From Rivals to Reconciliation
Remarkably, the two Dutch internationals have since put their bitter rivalry behind them. Drenthe expressed regret about his inflammatory celebration, acknowledging the delicate nature of Merseyside derby etiquette.
"Looking back, I understand it was probably too much," Drenthe reflected. "The passion of the derby takes over sometimes. Thankfully, Ryan and I have moved past it and can now laugh about the whole situation."
The Unwritten Rules of Derby Conduct
The incident highlights the unwritten rules governing player conduct in one of English football's most passionate local derbies. While fierce competition on the pitch is expected, certain boundaries traditionally remain uncrossed.
Both players acknowledged the unique intensity of Liverpool-Everton encounters, where local pride and historical significance elevate every challenge, every goal, and every celebration to monumental importance.
The revelation provides fascinating insight into the raw emotions that define Premier League football's most storied rivalries, reminding fans that the drama often continues long after the referee's final whistle.
