Roberto Martinez leaps to the defence of Kevin Mirallas, as Brendan Rodgers claims that the Belgian should have been sent off in the Merseyside derby.

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has refuted claims made by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers that Kevin Mirallas should have been sent off in this afternoon's 3-3 draw in the Merseyside derby.

The Liverpool-based outfits renewed hostilities for the first time this season, as Philippe Coutinho and Luis Suarez registered a 2-1 half-time lead for the visitors either side of a Mirallas equaliser.

The Toffees looked poised to secure the bragging rights, courtesy of a double from Romelu Lukaku, only for Daniel Sturridge to equalise in the dying stages.

However, there was a moment of controversy on the half-hour mark as the Belgian received a yellow card for a high tackle on Suarez, prompting Rodgers to assert that the 26-year-old should have been sent off.

While Martinez admits that he can understand the frustration of his opposition manager, the Spaniard does not believe that the challenge merited a red card.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, the former Wigan Athletic coach said: "I don't think it is a red card because it is not a malicious incident, he tries to win the ball but gets there late.

"I think a yellow card, bearing in mind the emotions you bring into a derby, was the right decision. But I can see why, if that had been against my team, I would've been thinking it would have been a red card.

"I think the referee was very right to give it as a yellow card. He allowed the whole game to be played at a very good tempo and was outstanding playing the advantage."

Consequently Liverpool slip to four points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, while Everton remain in fifth.