The recent Merseyside Derby between Liverpool and Everton ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. But the way referee Michael Oliver handled the game has raised eyebrows.
New reports about a Premier League rule being ignored during the game are surfacing. This has placed Oliver under even greater scrutiny for his handling of the match.
The match, which saw Everton secure a last-minute equalizer courtesy of James Tarkowski’s stunning volley, was filled with intense moments.
After Beto’s early strike, the Reds responded with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah, taking a 2-1 lead.
The defender’s dramatic stoppage-time goal set Goodison Park ablaze with celebrations. It secured a crucial point for the Toffees, ensuring they left the match on a high.
While the drama was palpable, one of the major talking points was the way the referee managed the game’s additional time and the League rule that was also broken in the closing stages of the match.
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Referee Michael Oliver is under fire again
Following a clash between Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Carlos Alcaraz, who both went down injured, ref. Michael Oliver did not ensure that they were taken off the pitch as is required by League rules.
Another issue on the day was the amount of time the referee allowed to play after the injury to both players. Everton’s equalizer came in the 98th [90+8] minute, and the allotted stoppage time on the board was five minutes.
The goal coming in three long minutes after the five minutes that were to be given also led to confusion on whether the extra time added was prolonged behind what was necessary.
The controversy deepens as Oliver’s handling of the game’s final moments comes under fire. Questions are mounting over his decisions regarding the treatment of injured players and stoppage time calculations.
According to the ECHO, Everton captain and goalie, Jordan Pickford stated that the match was not prolonged beyond the regular extra time.
Fans have given their thoughts on the rule that was not followed during the Derby and the extra time management by Michael Oliver.
Everton may have escaped with a crucial point. But controversy still lingers. The referee’s handling of stoppage time and a Premier League rule oversight will dominate discussions from the last-ever Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park.
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