Former head of PGMOL Keith Hackett has pinpointed a significant error by referee Michael Oliver during the Merseyside derby between Everton and Liverpool, but it's not the incident most would assume.

Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure celebrated in front of the Liverpool fans, leading to a confrontation with Curtis Jones and ensuing scuffles involving several players.

Yet, it was the match's first goal that caught Hackett's attention, as he felt the foul given for a challenge on Iliman Ndiaye, which led to Beto's opening goal from the subsequent free-kick, was the real blunder.

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Not one to shy away from sharing his professional insights, Hackett expressed his views on Twitter, asserting: "This was an incorrect award of a free-kick that went on to result in Everton scoring their opening goal.

The award of a free-kick that went on to enable Everton to score their first goal was incorrect (fact)."

Fans on social media weren't alone in their discontent with the referee's performance

After the match, Liverpool's stalwart defender Virgil Van Dijk voiced his concerns about Oliver's handling of the game and admitted he confronted the official about it.

Speaking to TNT Sport, Van Dijk said, "They are entitled to celebrate the goal," but noted that Doucoure's actions aimed to rile up the Liverpool supporters, which Curtis Jones felt was inappropriate, leading to a scuffle
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