More than 200 miles separate Goodison from the Premier League’s VAR thinktank at Stockley Park on the outskirts of London.
And those cooped up in the officiating hub were probably glad of the distance from a livid Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp following this barely comprehensible Merseyside derby.
Controversy is nothing new in such fixtures. The furore from the 237th parochial spat, though, had a very modern edge to it.
Once again, questions will be asked about the implementation of technology after Everton benefited from decisions at both ends to come from behind twice in a barnstorming 2-2 draw.
There was enough action on the pitch – great goals, thunderous tackles, incredible saves and, for Everton striker Richarlison, a deserved red card – without the need for further incident.
But this being 2020, the decisions of those in the video room – led by VAR David Coote and his assistant Lee Betts – will now be discussed at greater length than the contribution of any player.
And for good reason.
Get more reaction to the Merseyside derby in the Post-Game podcast from Blood Red HERE
After freeze frames and lines were required to adjudge Virgil van Dijk offside at a free-kick early on, it later emerged VAR were wrong not to even consider the subsequent mindlessly horrific challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford that forced the Liverpool defender out of the game and on to the sidelines for what could well be a significant period.
That’s no consolation to the Reds, whose performance – light years from the shameful effort at Villa Park a fortnight earlier – merited greater reward than a solitary point.
And they should have had it during injury time, only for Jordan Henderson’s dramatic 'winner' to be ruled out by another excruciatingly marginal offside call against Sadio Mane.
Pickford, who erred in failing to keep out the effort from the Liverpool skipper, had got away with it again.
Klopp, speaking afterwards, could barely contain his disappointment and disbelief.
Such wafer-thin fortune had gone in favour of the Reds at key times last season.
*Who was your man of the match for Liverpool? Have your say here.
So far this term, though, the fates are lining up to conspire against the Premier League champions.
Lucky Liverpool? If Klopp’s side are to successfully defend the crown, the early signs are they will have to do it all by themselves.
