Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has slammed referee Michael Oliver after his side drew 2-2 away at Everton. James Tarkowski scored a 98th-minute equaliser – three minutes over the minimum put up on the fourth official’s board.
Oliver also issued four red cards after a melee broke out following the full-time whistle.
Abdoulaye Doucoure taunted the visiting fans at Goodison Park and he was confronted by Curtis Jones. Both men were given their marching orders after police and stewards spilt up a mass confrontation.
Liverpool manager Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown straight red cards after putting their points of view across to the officials.
“It feels like a loss because it was over extra time and the inevitable is coming but I think the referee had a big part in the game today,” Van Dijk fumed. “In terms of certain challenges were given as a fould and similar didn’t. In the end it is disappointing to concede a very good strike.”
He added: “You know what happens when there is a little tussle but I think the ref didn’t have the game under control in my opinion.
“I said it to him. I don’t know what it is but both teams had to deal with it.”
Beto scored the opening goal inside 11 minutes but Alexis Mac Allister equalised five minutes later with a deft header.
Mohamed Salah thought he had won it for Liverpool in the 73rd minute but Tarkowski rescured a point for the hosts.
Van Dijk took a bitter dig at Everton as emotions were running high after the game.
He said: “I think they do the same things as they always do. They are very direct and fight for the first, second ball.
“We all know this is their cup final and they will try to do anything in their power to win. It is a big boost for them but a blow for us.”
The draw means Premier League leaders Liverpool moved seven points clear of Arsenal in the table.
“We have a lot of games up until the international break,” Van Dijk explained of the title race.
“We have put ourselves in a very good position and that is down to hard work, quality and consistency. We just have to look at ourselves, don’t look at what others do, just try to focus on ourselves and be the best version of ourselves.
“We have put ourselves in a good position, let’s keep going.”
