In a dramatic and controversial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool and Everton played to a 2-2 draw on February 12, 2025. The match, marking the final derby at this historic venue before Everton’s move to a new stadium, was overshadowed by a contentious refereeing decision that has left the football community in uproar.

The game began with Everton’s Beto scoring an early goal, giving the hosts an initial advantage. Liverpool responded swiftly, with Alexis Mac Allister equalizing through a well-placed header. The intensity of the match was palpable, with both teams displaying aggressive play that led to multiple bookings and two red cards—Curtis Jones for Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucouré for Everton—both receiving second yellow cards.

The controversy reached its peak in the 96th minute. With Liverpool leading 2-1 after Mohamed Salah’s goal in the 72nd minute, Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a stunning volley to level the score. However, the build-up to this equalizer was marred by a contentious decision from referee Michael Oliver. Liverpool players and supporters vehemently protested, alleging a clear foul on Virgil van Dijk during the play, which Oliver dismissed, allowing the goal to stand.

This decision has ignited widespread criticism. Fans took to social media, expressing their outrage and questioning Oliver’s competence. Comments such as “He was the game killer today; he should be nowhere near football again” encapsulate the sentiment among the Liverpool faithful.

This incident is not the first time Oliver has been at the center of controversy in Merseyside derbies. In a previous encounter, he admitted to a significant error that impacted the game’s outcome, leading to questions about his suitability for officiating high-stakes matches. 

The role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in this situation has also come under scrutiny. Many are questioning why VAR did not intervene to review the potential foul in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal, especially given the clear visual evidence available.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not mince words 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.”

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the body responsible for overseeing referees in English football, has faced criticism in the past for similar incidents. The organization has previously suspended referees for inappropriate conduct and controversial decisions, highlighting ongoing concerns about officiating standards in the Premier League. 

As the dust settles on this contentious derby, the focus shifts to the accountability of match officials. The football community awaits a response from the governing bodies, hoping for measures that ensure such incidents do not tarnish the sport’s integrity in the future.