Everton captain James Tarkowski has played down the midweek stoush with Newcastle.

Jordan Pickford was at the centre of the post-match bust-up as Everton defeated the Toon.

Tarkowski laughed: “I just enjoy pushing people around. I just saw it kicking off and got over there, pushed a few people, got off and had a smile."

Asked what could have sparked it all off, the defender added: “I'm really not sure. I just turned around and saw a few people bundling around with each other, so I had a little run over to see what was going on.

“It was just handbags, and nothing ever happens. It is easy to go over there and give a little smirk and a push when you have just won 3-0. It was nothing and happens all the time on a football pitch."