Virgil van Dijk criticized the referee Michael Oliver for failing to control a heated Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, which ended in chaotic scenes. Arne Slot, his assistant Sipke Hulshoff, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones, and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré were all shown red cards after the final whistle as tempers flared.
James Tarkowski salvaged a crucial point for Everton with a spectacular volley in the 98th minute, despite only five minutes of added time being signaled. The dramatic equalizer kept Everton’s survival hopes alive while denying Liverpool a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Once the final whistle blew following two VAR reviews, Doucouré’s celebration in front of the Liverpool fans sparked outrage. Jones reacted by grabbing the Everton midfielder, setting off a mass altercation involving both teams and coaching staff. Amid the chaos, the Liverpool head coach and his assistant were sent off for protesting the decision to allow Tarkowski’s goal.
Slot was unable to address the media due to Premier League rules preventing managers who receive red cards from speaking after a match. However, Liverpool’s captain voiced his frustration over the controversial ending.
“It was a very big provocation from one certain player,” Van Dijk said. “We all saw it and reacted as a team as we were able to do. You know what happens nowadays, it becomes one big tussle. Then it is not me who has to deal with it, it is the referee, and today I am not sure he had it fully under control.”
The late equalizer was a bitter blow for Liverpool, who would have moved nine points ahead of second-placed Arsenal with a victory. Van Dijk acknowledged the disappointment of conceding so late but praised his team’s effort.
“To concede an equalizer that late is always disappointing. We saw the celebrations they had in the end, so we know how much it meant for them, but the fact is it was disappointing for us. We kept fighting, but in the end, it wasn’t enough to get it over the line.”
Everton manager David Moyes defended his team’s performance, insisting they fully deserved the draw. He downplayed the post-match fracas, choosing instead to focus on the unity and fight displayed by his squad.
“It was mayhem all game, a bit of an old-fashioned throwback. The bit after the game is not really what we should be talking about. I am disappointed with Doucouré getting a red because we are short of players as it is. But the place was boiling all night.”
Moyes also viewed Tarkowski’s stunning goal as a fitting send-off for Goodison Park’s history of hosting Merseyside derbies.
“It is hugely important that Evertonians get to finish at their stadium in the best way they can,” he said. “The support in here was unbelievable tonight, incredible, and it is fitting they got an end like they did.
“We didn’t win, which was the disappointing thing. It would have been hard to come here losing 2-1 and talking about it. Everyone stayed until the end, which was a magical moment. The bit of to-ing and fro-ing at the end probably added to the entertainment of the night.”
