Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has criticised referee Michael Oliver’s performance following the Reds’ dramatic 2-2 draw against Everton.
Liverpool appeared to be on course for victory after Mohamed Salah put them ahead in the second half, but James Tarkowski scored a stoppage-time equaliser to rescue a point for Everton.
Van Dijk was frustrated by the late goal and felt the referee struggled to maintain control of the match. Van Dijk said after the match:
I think the referee didn’t have the game under control,
The defender also expressed disappointment over the length of added time, although he acknowledged that Everton deserved credit for their late equaliser.
Tensions boiled over after the final whistle when Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool supporters. Curtis Jones reacted to the celebration, sparking a confrontation that resulted in both players being sent off.
Van Dijk suggested that Doucoure’s actions were intended to provoke the Liverpool fans, contributing to the chaotic scenes that followed the final whistle.
The result saw Liverpool drop two valuable points in the Premier League title race, although Arne Slot’s side remained ahead of Arsenal at the top of the table.
