Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has questioned referee Michael Oliver following a chaotic Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
The match ended in turmoil as tensions boiled over after the final whistle.
A brawl erupted immediately after the match concluded. Consequently, four individuals were sent off. James Tarkowski scored a dramatic 98th-minute equaliser for Everton, adding further spice to an already volatile encounter.
Van Dijk did not mince words when he criticized the events on the pitch. He blamed Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure for provoking the melee. Moreover, he accused Doucoure of inciting Liverpool fans with his deliberate celebration.
After the goal celebration, Doucoure ran toward the away end. As a result, chaos spread across the pitch, and fans rushed in. Clearly, the situation quickly escalated beyond control.
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Beto put Everton ahead after just 11 minutes, and soon after, Alexis Mac Allister equalised. Furthermore, Mohamed Salah scored in the 73rd minute, putting Liverpool in a strong position before Tarkowski’s late intervention shifted the balance.
In addition, Arne Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, and Curtis Jones joined Doucoure in receiving red cards. Van Dijk questioned whether referee Michael Oliver maintained full control of the game. Consequently, his comments have fueled debate over the officiating standards in high-stakes matches.
Everton manager David Moyes admitted that emotions ran high throughout the game. He described the stadium as being at a fever pitch. Moreover, he expressed disappointment over Doucoure’s red card, noting that the midfielder had performed well before his dismissal.
Looking ahead, Johnny Heitinga is set to take charge against Wolves on Sunday. Meanwhile, both clubs must reflect on the brawl’s impact. Ultimately, the incident raises serious questions about referee control and discipline in modern football.
