The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park ended in controversy, with Liverpool and Everton playing out a dramatic 2-2 draw on February 12, 2025. While the match was filled with intensity, it was a late refereeing decision that dominated headlines and sparked widespread outrage.
A Fierce Battle Ends in Controversy
Everton took an early lead through Beto, but Liverpool responded swiftly with an Alexis Mac Allister header. The game remained heated, with multiple bookings and red cards for Curtis Jones (Liverpool) and Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton), both dismissed after receiving second yellows.
Liverpool looked set to secure all three points after Mohamed Salah’s 72nd-minute strike put them ahead 2-1. However, in the 96th minute, James Tarkowski’s volleyed equalizer sent Goodison Park into chaos.
VAR and Michael Oliver Under Fire
The controversy erupted when Liverpool players and fans furiously protested that Virgil van Dijk had been fouled in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal. Despite the appeals, referee Michael Oliver allowed the goal to stand, and VAR did not intervene, sparking outrage among Liverpool supporters.
Fans took to social media to vent their frustration, with many calling for Oliver to be removed from officiating high-profile matches. This isn’t the first time he has been at the center of a Merseyside derby controversy, adding to concerns about his decision-making in crucial games.
Arne Slot’s Explosive Reaction
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not hold back in his post-match comments:
“We didn’t lose to Everton today; we lost to the man in the middle. It’s an absolute disgrace. My players gave everything, and they were robbed.”
Slot’s remarks echoed the frustration felt by many Liverpool fans, further fueling the ongoing debate about the standard of officiating in the Premier League.
Calls for Accountability
With PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) already under scrutiny for past errors, pressure is mounting for greater transparency and accountability in officiating. While referees have been suspended in the past for controversial decisions, fans and analysts are demanding more consistent measures to prevent such incidents from impacting major games.
As the Premier League title race intensifies, this latest refereeing controversy raises fresh concerns about the integrity of officiating in English football.
