Virgil van Dijk has shed light on his exchange with referee Michael Oliver following the chaotic conclusion of Wednesday night’s Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Liverpool seemed poised for victory after goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah overturned Beto’s early strike, but their celebrations were cut short when James Tarkowski’s dramatic 98th-minute volley secured a late equalizer for Everton—well beyond the allotted stoppage time.
Tensions boiled over at the final whistle. Abdoulaye Doucoure sprinted toward the away end to taunt Liverpool fans, sparking a heated exchange with Curtis Jones. The confrontation escalated, leading to both players receiving red cards. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also dismissed after furiously confronting the officials over Tarkowski’s controversial goal, which underwent a lengthy VAR review for a potential offside and a foul on Ibrahima Konate.
Throughout the game, frustration grew over Oliver’s officiating, with many believing he struggled to control what was arguably the most intense Premier League match of the season. Liverpool missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top to nine points over Arsenal, while Oliver once again found himself at the center of controversy due to several contentious decisions.
What Van Dijk Told Michael Oliver
Liverpool’s captain didn’t hold back in expressing his frustrations. Oliver called 29 fouls—nine against Everton and 20 against Liverpool—while also issuing four red cards and multiple yellow cards. Both sets of fans have since compiled footage questioning the accuracy of his decisions.
After the final whistle, Van Dijk was seen confronting Oliver. Speaking in the post-match press conference, he revealed his exact words:
“I think the ref didn’t have control of the game, in my opinion. I told him that. I don’t know what it is, but both teams had to deal with it. Listen, it is what it is. We take a point and move on.”
Despite Oliver’s reputation as one of England’s most experienced referees, his handling of the game has been widely criticized by both Liverpool and Everton fans. Everton may have been fortunate to receive the free-kick leading to Beto’s opener, while Liverpool’s Conor Bradley was perhaps lucky to escape a second booking before being substituted.
Liverpool still lead the Premier League, but with 14 matches remaining—including key clashes against Arsenal, Manchester City, and Everton’s return leg at Anfield—their seven-point cushion no longer feels as secure as before.
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