BREAKING NEWS: The referee single-handedly handed Liverpool their defeat—one awful decision, and the game was over! This wasn’t just a mistake; it was a game-changing disaster. How can someone this incompetent be allowed to officiate at this level? After today, he has NO business stepping on a pitch again. Liverpool didn’t just lose to their opponent—they lost to the man in the middle. Absolute disgrace.

In a highly charged and controversial Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on February 12, 2025, Liverpool and Everton played to a 2-2 draw. This match marked the final derby at this iconic stadium before Everton’s relocation to a new ground, but it was overshadowed by a disputed refereeing call that has sparked widespread outrage within the football community.

The match kicked off with an early goal from Everton’s Beto, giving the home side the first lead. Liverpool quickly responded, with Alexis Mac Allister scoring the equalizer with a precise header. The game’s intensity was evident, with both teams engaging in aggressive play that resulted in several bookings and two red cards—Curtis Jones for Liverpool and Abdoulaye Doucouré for Everton—both receiving their second yellow cards.

The height of the controversy came in the 96th minute. With Liverpool leading 2-1 following Mohamed Salah’s goal in the 72nd minute, Everton’s James Tarkowski scored a brilliant volley to equalize. However, the buildup to this goal was tainted by a controversial decision from referee Michael Oliver. Liverpool players and supporters vehemently protested, claiming a clear foul on Virgil van Dijk during the play, which Oliver dismissed, allowing the goal to stand.

This decision has sparked a wave of criticism. Fans flocked to social media to express their anger and question Oliver’s ability, with remarks like “He was the game killer today; he should be nowhere near football again” reflecting the frustration among Liverpool supporters.

This incident isn’t the first time Oliver has been involved in controversy during Merseyside derbies. In a previous match, he admitted to making a significant mistake that affected the game’s outcome, raising doubts about his suitability for handling high-pressure matches.

The role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has also faced criticism. Many have questioned why VAR did not step in to review the possible foul in the build-up to Tarkowski’s goal, especially given the clear visual evidence.

Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, did not hold back in his post-match comments: “We didn’t lose to Everton today; we lost to the man in the middle. It’s an absolute disgrace. My players gave everything, and they were robbed.”

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organization in charge of referees in English football, has previously been criticized for similar incidents. The body has suspended referees for improper conduct and controversial decisions, underscoring ongoing concerns about the standards of officiating in the Premier League.

As the dust settles on this contentious derby, the spotlight now shifts to the responsibility of match officials. The football world awaits a response from the governing bodies, hoping for actions that will prevent such incidents from undermining the sport’s integrity in the future.