Everton Vs Liverpool: Virgil Van Dijk Calls Referee Loss Of Control

JAKARTA - Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk said he believed referee Michael Oliver lost control in the Merseyside Derby on Thursday, February 13, 2025, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

The match was full of drama which resulted in four red cards being issued after the match ended.

The match was over with a chaotic atmosphere. Everton defender James Tarkowski scored an incredible volley in injury time before the interaction after the final whistle sounded between Abdoulaye Doucoure and the away crowd that sparked the fight.

First, Liverpool's Curtis Jones faced Doucoure before the two benches were involved in an incident disbanded by security officers and police.

Referee Michael Oliver gave a red card to Jones and Doucoure. Minutes later, he expelled Liverpool Manager Arne Slot for his protests, as well as assistant coach of The Reds, Sipke Hulshoff.

"Obviously you see how they celebrate goals and they deserve to do so."

"I think Doucoure in the end wants to provoke our fans. Curtis doesn't think it's the right thing to do. Obviously you know what happens when a fight occurs."

"In my opinion, the referee does not control the game. Both teams have to deal with it. That's how it is. We just need to keep going," Van Dijk told TNT Sports after the match.

Everton manager David Moyes said the emotions at the stadium were the ideal end to the last Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park, although he didn't mention the fight after the final whistle.

"It was really great, great at the end. I thought the night might be meant for something to happen."

"It's not the cleanest one, it's not the best football game you've ever watched, but it's a bit of a setback, a little rude to both sides."

"I mean, what's more important is that we might succeed like that. Liverpool are a very talented team and prove it in the league this year."

"So, we have to find a way to reduce that distance tonight. I think we did a good job," Moyes told TNT Sports.

Meanwhile, Slot's red card prevented him from giving a press conference after the match.