Liverpool Football Club has called for a replay of their controversial Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025, citing a series of officiating mistakes that they believe compromised the fairness of the match. The game, which ended in a 2-2 draw, was marked by contentious decisions, particularly in the closing moments.
The most disputed incident occurred in stoppage time when Everton’s James Tarkowski netted an equalizer in the eighth additional minute. However, moments before the goal, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté appeared to be fouled, an infraction that was ignored by both on-field referee Michael Oliver and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). Liverpool argues that this oversight played a crucial role in the match’s outcome and should have been corrected.
Tensions escalated further after the final whistle when a heated altercation between Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré resulted in both players being shown red cards. Additionally, Liverpool manager Arne Slot was dismissed following a confrontation with the referee, adding to the sense of frustration among the Liverpool contingent. These incidents have reinforced Liverpool’s belief that the officiating throughout the game was flawed and biased.
In a unified statement, Liverpool’s players and staff voiced their dissatisfaction, arguing that the match was marred by numerous officiating errors that affected its fairness. “From start to finish, the officiating was full of mistakes. It’s clear the circumstances were stacked against us. We demand a replay to preserve the integrity of the sport,” the statement read. The club is preparing a formal appeal to the Premier League, emphasizing the errors made by the match officials and the failure of VAR to intervene in critical situations.
While requests for match replays due to refereeing mistakes are uncommon and seldom granted, Liverpool has pointed to past precedents where similar appeals have been successful. A notable example is a 2024 Belgian Pro League fixture between Anderlecht and Genk, where a VAR mistake led to a misinterpretation of the rules, ultimately influencing the match’s result. That match was ordered to be replayed, giving Liverpool hope that their appeal could gain traction.
Liverpool insists that their demand for a rematch is about more than just one game—it is a stand against broader issues concerning the accuracy of officiating and the effectiveness of VAR in football. Their position has sparked widespread debate within the football community, with many supporting the need for a comprehensive review of how matches are officiated and how technology is utilized.
The Premier League now faces a crucial decision on whether to acknowledge Liverpool’s appeal and take action. Whatever the outcome, this dispute has reignited discussions about refereeing standards and the role of VAR in football, raising questions about potential reforms to prevent similar controversies in the future.
