Everton defender apologises to Divock Origi

Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori has apologised to Divock Origi over the nasty challenge that injured the Liverpool striker in Wednesday’s Merseyside derby.

Funes Mori was shown a straight red card after catching Origi full on the ankle in the 50th minute of Everton’s 4-0 thrashing at Anfield.

Origi left the field on a stretcher and, although his ankle is not broken, Liverpool are still to learn the full extent of his injury.

Funes Mori wrote on his Twitter page: “I very much regret what happened yesterday. It was never my intention to harm a rival nor my colleagues [by] leaving the field.

“And regarding Divock Origi, I fervently hope it’s nothing serious and know that was never my intention to hurt [him]. I ask my apologies for what happened.”

Origi, 21, who had scored his fifth goal in five games earlier in the match, was due to be assessed by Liverpool medical staff on Thursday.

Manager Jurgen Klopp revealed after the game the ankle had been twisted and there were fears of ligament damage.

Klopp said: “It’s a big shadow on the game, to be honest. Usually if you tell me before the game we will win 4-0, I would feel different. We have to wait for a final assessment.”