Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell believes Liverpool’s Sadio Mane tried to make contact with Mason Holgate’s eye during a scuffle in the latter stages of the first half in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

Everton were unhappy that Liverpool refused to kick the ball out when Richarlison went down with an injury, leading to Abdoulaye Doucoure tripping Fabinho and picking up a booking as his frustration got the better of him.

Both sets of players then got involved as tempers flared, with Mane and Holgate coming together. The Liverpool winger appeared to put his finger in Holgate’s face, and Campbell feels there was malicious intent behind his actions.

‘That’s a gouge, it’s gouging in the eye,’ he said in the Sky Sports studio at half time.

Mane received a yellow card for his part in the incident, and Campbell was asked whether he should have been shown a red card instead.

‘Yeah, I think so,’ he replied.

‘But the referee didn’t see it, so let’s get on with it. This is one of those games where now, the temperature has gone up.’

Meanwhile, fellow pundit Graeme Souness admitted that Mane was fortunate to avoid a more severe punishment.

‘I think Mane’s lucky here. If we see it again, he’s pushed someone, actually maybe tried to poke someone.

‘He’s got his finger [in Holgate’s face], there’s more intent than just a push,’ he added.