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Van Dijk Criticizes Referee as Everton Snatch Last-Minute Draw in Merseyside Derby

Posted : 13 February 2025

In the aftermath of the dramatic 2-2 draw in the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk criticized referee Michael Oliver for losing control of the match. The game saw Everton's James Tarkowski score a last-minute equalizer, canceling out Liverpool's lead after Mohamed Salah's assist for Alexis Mac Allister and his own goal in the 73rd minute, which had appeared to give the visitors a crucial win.

 

Everton took the lead early through Beto in the 11th minute, but Liverpool quickly responded, with Mac Allister leveling the score before Salah's goal seemed to put them on course for victory. However, Tarkowski's strike in the 98th minute stunned the visitors, ensuring Everton earned a valuable point.

 

The goal celebration by Abdoulaye Doucoure in front of the Liverpool fans led to a scuffle, with Curtis Jones reacting angrily, sparking a post-match altercation that saw several red cards issued, including to Jones, Doucoure, and Liverpool staff members.

 

Van Dijk expressed disappointment with the referee's handling of the situation, noting that the referee failed to manage the tensions between the teams, which escalated following the equalizer. He felt that certain fouls were inconsistently penalized, adding to the frustration. While acknowledging Everton's right to celebrate, he suggested that Doucoure had intentionally provoked the Liverpool fans, contributing to the heated exchange.

 

Despite the dramatic finish, Van Dijk admitted that the draw felt more like a loss due to the manner in which the equalizer came so late. Liverpool remains in a strong position at the top of the Premier League with 57 points, ahead of Arsenal by seven points, while Everton sits 15th and faces Crystal Palace next. Liverpool will look to bounce back with a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Sunday.

 

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