Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and James Tarkowski of Everton remonstrate with referee Michael Oliver throughout the Premier League match at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Photos)
The ultimate Merseyside derby to happen at Goodison Park was a hotly contested affair, and one during which referee, Michael Oliver, was the central character.
Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk’s feedback concerning the referee in his post-match interview would possibly properly land him in sizzling water, nonetheless, former PGMOL chief, Keith Hackett, agreed Oliver obtained one choice incorrect.
Michael Oliver had a tricky time throughout the Merseyside derby
As would possibly’ve been anticipated, there was a whole lot of rigidity earlier than and throughout the sport, and in addition a whole lot of needle between the edges given what was at stake.
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool and Ashley Younger of Everton encompass referee, Michael Oliver while a VAR choice stays pending following an equalising objective scored by James Tarkowski of Everton (not pictured) throughout the Premier League match between Everton FC and Liverpool FC at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025 in Liverpool, England. (Photograph by Carl Recine/Getty Photos)
Had the Reds received a sport that they had been main 2-1 on the conclusion of the 90 minutes, then Arne Slot’s aspect would’ve gone 9 factors clear on the high of the Premier League desk.
Everton, underneath David Moyes, have picked up considerably because the Sean Dyche period, however they’re not out of the woods but when it comes to relegation.
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Due to this fact, a 98th-minute equaliser to earn a share of the spoils will definitely have been welcomed on the blue half of Merseyside.
That James Tarkowski stunner was the catalyst for extra issues on and off the pitch, culminating within the scenes which led to 3 crimson playing cards brandished by Oliver.
Sympathy for Michael Oliver after Merseyside derby rigidity spilled over
Hackett has some sympathy for the official, telling Soccer Insider: “Having had the pleasure of refereeing Merseyside derby video games, the fervour and the temperature fluctuates and when officiating it’s important to keep management.
“It’s all the time a testing sport and Michael Oliver labored arduous to keep up management.”
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Although Hackett’s assertion would seem to supply a point of assist, it stops wanting lauding a efficiency that arguably wasn’t the 39-year-old’s finest within the English top-flight.