Liverpool and Everton battled to a thrilling 2-2 draw in a heated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025. However, the match has since become embroiled in controversy, with Liverpool players and fans outraged over what they believe were clear officiating errors and a failure of VAR.
The contentious moment occurred in stoppage time, with Liverpool leading 2-1. Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute, but the goal was overshadowed by claims of a foul in the buildup. Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté appeared to be pushed, preventing him from making a crucial clearance. Despite visible evidence, referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue, and VAR did not intervene, letting the goal stand.
The decision has sparked accusations of bias and even corruption, with Liverpool supporters flooding social media, calling VAR a “disgrace” and a tool influencing the title race. One fan vented, “They waited for the perfect moment to help Everton equalize—this isn’t football, it’s theft!”
The incident has reignited the ongoing debate over VAR’s reliability. Critics argue that instead of eliminating human error, the technology has only led to new controversies. Reports indicate that the Premier League has already admitted to 13 VAR mistakes this season, further fueling frustration.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not mince words in his post-match reaction: “We didn’t lose to Everton; we lost to the officials. My players gave everything, and they were robbed. It’s a disgrace.”
This is just the latest in a long line of Premier League VAR controversies, with refereeing consistency and transparency becoming major concerns for fans, players, and managers alike. As the backlash grows, pressure is mounting on the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) to address these issues and restore faith in officiating. Calls for greater accountability and fairness in decision-making continue to intensify.
