Controversial Merseyside Derby Ends in a 2-2 Draw Amid Refereeing Outrage
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton’s move to a new stadium ended in controversy, with Liverpool and Everton drawing 2-2 on February 12, 2025.
While the match was filled with drama, it was a refereeing decision in the dying moments that sparked widespread outrage.
Contested Battle
Everton struck first through Beto’s early goal, but Liverpool responded quickly as Alexis Mac Allister equalized with a precise header.
The match remained highly intense, with multiple bookings and two red cards—one for Curtis Jones (Liverpool) and another for Abdoulaye Doucouré (Everton), both dismissed after receiving second yellow cards.
The 96th-Minute Controversy
With Liverpool leading 2-1 thanks to a Mohamed Salah goal in the 72nd minute, the game took a controversial turn in stoppage time.
James Tarkowski’s volley secured a late equalizer for Everton, but the goal’s legitimacy was immediately questioned.
Liverpool players and fans furiously protested, claiming that Virgil van Dijk had been fouled in the build-up—a decision referee Michael Oliver dismissed, allowing the goal to stand.
Backlash Against Referee Michael Oliver and VAR
Oliver’s decision has triggered widespread criticism, with fans taking to social media to express their frustration.
Comments like “He ruined the game; he shouldn’t officiate again” reflect the anger among Liverpool supporters.
This isn’t Oliver’s first Merseyside derby controversy—he previously admitted to a major officiating error in a past fixture, further raising concerns about his ability to handle high-stakes matches.
The VAR team has also come under fire, with many questioning why they did not intervene to review the potential foul on Van Dijk despite clear visual evidence.
Arne Slot’s Explosive Reaction
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not hold back in his post-match interview:
“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.”
Calls for Accountability in Officiating
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), responsible for Premier League referees, is once again facing scrutiny.
The organization has previously suspended referees over controversial calls, but fans and analysts are demanding greater accountability to prevent similar incidents from undermining the sport’s integrity.
As the dust settles on this heated derby, all eyes are on football’s governing bodies to see how they respond to yet another refereeing controversy in a crucial Premier League fixture.
