Tensions flared as James Tarkowski’s late equaliser denied Liverpool all three points against Everton.
A section of fans have unleashed their fury on English Premier League referee Michael Oliver following his controversial performance in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Everton.
The match, marked by high tensions and dramatic moments, saw Oliver dominate the headlines, particularly after Everton’s late equaliser ignited chaos on the pitch.
The Merseyside derby began with Beto putting Everton ahead before Liverpool responded through goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, giving the Reds a 2-1 lead.
However, drama unfolded deep into stoppage time when James Tarkowski netted a crucial equaliser for the Toffees.
Mikel Arteta has moved swiftly to address his midfield with both Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract at the end of the season.
The goal triggered wild celebrations from Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure, who taunted Liverpool fans, sparking an intense melee on the field.
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Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrates James Tarkowski’s equaliser against Liverpool.
The heated altercation led to four dismissals, with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, and midfielder Curtis Jones all seeing red, alongside Doucoure.
Michael Oliver’s handling of the incident came under severe scrutiny, with many Liverpool fans expressing their outrage online.
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One furious fan wrote on social media, “Michael Oliver – Everton vs. Liverpool. A corrupt disgrace to the sport.”
Another slammed, “Michael Oliver is the worst referee in world football.”
Their sentiments were echoed by Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, who criticized Oliver’s control of the match in his post-match interview.
“The referee didn’t have the game under control. I said it to him,” Van Dijk said as per The Daily Mail.
“It was a very big provocation from one player. We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee, and today I am not sure he had it fully under control.”
This is not the first time Michael Oliver has faced the wrath of fans.
Just recently, Arsenal fans were vocal in their criticism after Myles Lewis-Skelly received a red card against Wolves.
One Arsenal supporter took the opportunity to remind Liverpool fans of their previous defense of the referee, writing, “Now Michael Oliver is corrupt, but when Arsenal fans called him out, you chose to attack us instead of joining forces with us to call him out. What goes around comes around, Liverpool fans.”
Despite the disappointing result, Liverpool still maintain a seven-point lead at the top of the Premier League table with 57 points, while Arsenal trails in second place with 50 points.
