“Van Dijk Rips Into Referee Michael Oliver as Shocking Footage Emerges”
“Van Dijk Blasts Ref Michael Oliver as Controversial Footage Surfaces”
Virgil van Dijk has criticized referee Michael Oliver for his officiating in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw against Everton on Wednesday night. The game marked the last-ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, as the Toffees prepare to leave the stadium after the 2024/25 season. The match delivered on its expectations, featuring intense drama that continued even after the final whistle.
Beto put Everton ahead early, but Liverpool responded with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, seemingly securing all three points. However, in the dying moments, Toffees captain James Tarkowski rescued his side with a stunning volley that left Alisson helpless, ensuring a dramatic 2-2 draw.
The chaos didn’t end there—tensions boiled over after the final whistle, leading to heated confrontations and four red cards handed out by referee Michael Oliver. Liverpool were far from pleased with his officiating, and Virgil van Dijk didn’t hold back in his post-match interview.
Van Dijk Accuses Oliver of Influencing the Outcome
The Liverpool captain suggested the referee lacked consistency in his decisions, hinting that certain fouls were unfairly given—or ignored.
After the match, Van Dijk didn’t hesitate to criticize Oliver’s officiating, suggesting the referee’s decisions influenced the outcome. Speaking to Sky Sports, he remarked:
“I think the referee had a big part in the game today—some challenges were given as fouls, while similar ones weren’t.”
Van Dijk may have been alluding to a key moment just before Everton’s equalizer when Salah appeared to be fouled in the Toffees’ half, but play was allowed to continue. Moments later, Everton capitalized, scoring a last-second goal to snatch a point.
This was not given as a foul on Mo Salah 3 minutes prior to Everton’s equaliser.
Well done lads you did all you could to keep the title race alive tonight. @FA_PGMOL pic.twitter.com/xSzartEYM0
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) February 12, 2025
Liverpool fans didn’t hold back their frustration on social media, with many slamming Oliver’s officiating. One supporter took to X (formerly Twitter), writing:
“Disgraceful, this bloke. How he is allowed to officiate anything above Sunday league football is beyond me.”
Another fan echoed the sentiment, posting: “That’s not inept, that’s corruption.”
A third simply summed it up: “That one was mad.”