Liverpool conceded a dramatic 98th-minute equalizer as they were held to a 2-2 draw against Everton in a chaotic Merseyside derby.
Head coach Arne Slot is now set to serve his second touchline ban with the club. He was sent off following the heated conclusion at Goodison Park, where tensions flared both on and off the pitch.
The major flashpoint came after the final whistle when a mass confrontation erupted. Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure were both shown red cards by referee Michael Oliver, while Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed. As a result, they will each serve a one-match touchline suspension. Slot had already been banned earlier in the season during Liverpool’s 2-1 Carabao Cup win over Southampton and will now miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield.
Slot was visibly frustrated with the refereeing decisions that went against Liverpool. The Reds believed Ibrahima Konate was fouled by Everton striker Beto in the lead-up to James Tarkowski’s last-gasp equalizer. Additionally, there was a lengthy VAR check for a potential offside involving Doucoure, but VAR official Chris Kavanagh ruled the goal legal, sparking jubilant celebrations from the Everton fans.
The draw meant Liverpool missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League to nine points, instead sitting seven points clear of second-placed Arsenal. However, a new analysis has suggested that Tarkowski’s goal should not have stood.
Football Offsides (@FutOffsides), an account claiming to independently verify VAR offside decisions, alleged on X (formerly Twitter) that Doucoure was marginally offside in the build-up but the goal was allowed due to VAR’s ‘built-in tolerance level.’ The post stated: “Sixth incorrect offside decision in the Premier League this season. Doucouré was marginally offside before Everton’s second goal against Liverpool, but the system’s built-in tolerance level meant the goal stood.”
Everton had initially taken the lead in the 11th minute through Beto, but Liverpool quickly responded with an Alexis Mac Allister header just five minutes later. Mohamed Salah then put the visitors ahead in the 73rd minute, and they appeared to be on course for victory until Tarkowski’s controversial late equalizer.
Interestingly, Football Offsides also suggested that Liverpool’s first goal may have been fortunate to stand. They claimed Andy Robertson was in an offside position and obstructed a defender in the build-up to Mac Allister’s equalizer. However, because possession changed hands before the goal, VAR could not intervene.
The post read: “Michael Oliver’s assistant referee missed an offside offense in the lead-up to Liverpool’s goal. Robertson, who was offside, blocked a defender’s movement toward the ball. VAR couldn’t review it due to a change of possession.”
Slot received his red card immediately after shaking hands with Oliver. Reports suggest he reacted in disbelief, allegedly asking the referee: “You gave me a red for that?!” With both Slot and Hulshoff unavailable for the Wolves match, assistant first-team coach Johnny Heitinga is expected to take charge.
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