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Virgil van Dijk and players speak to referee Michael Oliver after James Tarkowski (not pictured) scores their side's second goal of the game during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.

Picture date: Wednesday February 12, 2025.

Former PGMOL boss Keith Hackett says Michael Oliver made a major mistake during Everton vs Liverpool in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night, but it wasn't the moment you might expect.

The game finished in dramatic fashion after a 98th-minute equaliser from James Tarkowski ensured the Toffees a point against their arch rivals.

Liverpool, on the other hand, were aggrieved by the late winner despite extending their lead at the summit to seven points over nearest Premier League rival Arsenal.

READ MORE:What Virgil van Dijk told Michael Oliver as Liverpool captain sends direct message to refereeREAD MORE:Four sent off in ugly full-time scenes after dramatic Everton goal vs Liverpool

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure raced over to celebrate in front of the Liverpool fans, only to be confronted by Curtis Jones.

A number of players piled in as a result, which saw the two players shown red cards, along with Liverpool boss Arne Slot and assistant Sipke Hulshoff.

However, it was the opening goal of the game that was a talking point for the former referee.

Oliver came under criticism for the decision to award Everton a free-kick after Iliman Ndiaye was adjudged to have been fouled near the halfway line.

Beto scored from the resulting free-kick, leaving Reds fans unhappy.

Hackett, who was previously the head of the PGMOL, took to social media to explain why he felt Oliver had made a mistake.

The 80-year-old tweeted: "This was an incorrect award of a free-kick that went on to result in Everton scoring their opening goal."

In another tweet, he added: "The award of a free-kick that went on to enable Everton to score their first goal was incorrect (fact)."

Supporters online weren't the only ones unhappy with the 39-year-old official.

Following the final whistle, Reds defender Virgil Van Dijk claimed Oliver didn't have the game under control and claims to have told the official as much.

"They are entitled to celebrate the goal," Van Dijk told TNT Sport.

Then there was a tussle.

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"The referee didn't have the game under control, I said that to him.
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