Keith Hackett Weighs in on Michael Oliver’s Officiating in Everton vs. Liverpool 2-2 Draw.

Ex-PGMOL Chief Keith Hackett Weighs in on Michael Oliver’s Merseyside Derby Display

Former Premier League referee and ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett believes Michael Oliver did his best to manage a tense Merseyside derby but ultimately made a crucial mistake by awarding Everton the free-kick that led to their first goal. This decision played a key role in Liverpool missing out on a crucial victory in their pursuit of a record-equalling 20th league title.

Everton took the lead in the 11th minute through Beto, but Liverpool responded as Alexis Mac Allister converted a pinpoint Mohamed Salah cross. Salah then put the Reds ahead in the 73rd minute, finishing at the back post in a game where Liverpool had struggled to dominate.

However, deep into stoppage time, James Tarkowski’s thunderous volley secured a dramatic 2-2 draw, marking a chaotic end to the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.

Post-Match Controversy and Oliver’s Decisions Under Scrutiny

Tensions boiled over after the final whistle, resulting in four red cards being shown to Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Arne Slot, and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff. The fallout has focused largely on Oliver’s officiating, with Hackett now weighing in on the controversial decisions.

Hackett’s Verdict on Oliver’s Performance

Reflecting on Oliver’s officiating, Hackett had mixed feelings. Among the key decisions raising concerns were:

Not issuing a second yellow to Conor Bradley

Ignoring Everton’s penalty claim for Ibrahima Konaté’s handball

Awarding 20 fouls in Everton’s favor

Sending off Arne Slot after what seemed to be little more than a tense handshake

Additionally, both of Everton’s goals had elements of controversy surrounding their legitimacy. Despite this, Hackett—who has experience officiating Merseyside derbies—believes Oliver largely handled the game well.

Speaking to Football Insider, Hackett said:

> “Having had the pleasure of refereeing Merseyside derby games, the passion and intensity fluctuate, and as a referee, you must maintain control. It is always a challenging game, and Michael Oliver worked hard to manage it.”

While opinions remain divided on Oliver’s performance, the debate over refereeing decisions in this high-stakes derby is unlikely to fade anytime soon.