### Controversial Merseyside Derby Ends in a 2-2 Draw Amid Refereeing Uproar
The final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park before Everton relocates to their new stadium concluded in dramatic fashion, with Everton and Liverpool playing out a tense 2-2 draw on February 12, 2025. However, the match’s outcome has been overshadowed by a contentious refereeing decision in stoppage time, igniting outrage among players, fans, and pundits alike.
#### A Fierce Contest
The match began with Everton seizing the advantage early on, as Beto found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead. Liverpool, however, responded swiftly, with Alexis Mac Allister leveling the score with a well-placed header. The high-tempo nature of the derby saw several players booked, with tensions boiling over as both sides fought for dominance.
The intensity escalated further when two players were sent off—Curtis Jones of Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucouré of Everton—both receiving their marching orders after accumulating two yellow cards. The evenly contested battle continued with both teams pushing forward in search of a decisive goal.
#### The Late-Game Controversy
Liverpool looked to have secured all three points when Mohamed Salah fired them into the lead in the 72nd minute. With the match approaching its conclusion, Everton pressed desperately for an equalizer. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, James Tarkowski managed to score with a powerful volley, sending Goodison Park into celebration. However, Liverpool players immediately protested, insisting that Virgil van Dijk had been fouled in the build-up to the goal.
Despite the vociferous complaints from Liverpool’s squad, referee Michael Oliver saw no infringement and allowed the goal to stand. His decision was met with disbelief and fury, particularly from Liverpool’s camp, who felt they had been unfairly denied victory.
#### Criticism of Referee Michael Oliver and VAR
Following the match, a storm of criticism erupted over Oliver’s officiating, with angry Liverpool supporters taking to social media to express their frustration. Many accused him of ruining the game, with some even calling for him to be removed from officiating such high-stakes matches in the future.
Oliver has a history of controversial calls in Merseyside derbies, having previously admitted to making a significant mistake in a past fixture. This latest incident has only added to concerns over his ability to manage such a fiercely contested encounter.
VAR also faced intense scrutiny, as fans and analysts questioned why the technology did not intervene to review the potential foul on Van Dijk, despite apparent evidence supporting Liverpool’s claims. The lack of intervention further fueled accusations of inconsistency in officiating standards.
#### Arne Slot’s Blistering Reaction
Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not mince his words in his post-match comments. Clearly furious with the refereeing decisions, he stated:
*”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 strong reaction reflected the frustration within the Liverpool camp, as they believed they had been unfairly denied a crucial win.
#### Renewed Calls for Officiating Accountability
The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), which oversees refereeing in the Premier League, is once again under scrutiny. The organization has previously suspended officials for significant errors, and many are now calling for greater accountability to ensure such controversies do not continue to impact crucial matches.
As the fallout from this dramatic derby continues, the pressure is on football’s governing bodies to take action. With trust in refereeing at stake, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the authorities respond to yet another officiating controversy in the Premier League.
