The Reds have received a new verdict on Everton’s equalizing goal in the Merseyside Derby.
The equaliser was scored in the dying moments of the game by Everton defender James Tarkowski. He struck a sweet volley in stoppage time to secure a point for the Toffees.
The match was the last meeting between the hostile neighbors at Goodison Park and continues to dominate discussions, as there were a lot of talking points from the encounter.
Tarkowski’s late goal delivered a very exhilarating conclusion to the game. Many Liverpool fans feel their side was hard done by the decision to award the goal following a lengthy VAR check for a potential foul and offside in the buildup.
Football pundits, including Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, and Alan Shearer, have all shared their thoughts on the decision to allow the goal stand despite Beto’s nudge on Konate right before the shot from Tarkowski.
ALSO READ: Real Madrid plot ruthless move to steal Trent Alexander-Arnold for FREE
Verdict of Lineker and pundits on Everton equaliser in Derby
Gary Lineker has rejected suggestions that Everton’s equalizing goal against Liverpool should have been chalked off for a foul on Ibrahima Konate in the moments leading to the goal.
Following a lengthy spell of VAR checks, referee Michael Oliver upheld the goal despite the review showing Beto’s push on the Reds’ defender just before the strike that leveled the scores.
As per Liverpool.com, Lineker, when reflecting on the goal, believes that the decision was the correct one.
Speaking on the “Rest is Football” podcast, Lineker questioned Micah Richards and Alan Shearer on whether they thought the goal should have been ruled out. Micah Richards responded, saying,
“There was a little nudge on Konate, but I do not think it was sufficient.”
Lineker concurred, stating, “I did not think there was enough in the contact either. You would have to be extremely bold to cancel that goal.”
Alan Shearer chimed in, adding, “No, not enough for me too.”
The official Premier League match center cleared the controversial offside decision in a tweet, saying,
“ The referee’s goal decision was reviewed and upheld by VAR, who confirmed that Doucoure was not offside in the buildup to the goal.”
The draw at Goodison Park meant Liverpool could not extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to nine points. But they still hold a seven-point advantage over Arsenal going into Gameweek 25.
ALSO READ: “You gave me a red card for that” – Dutch manager explodes in fiery chaos