Keith Hackett baffled by Michael Oliver on Mo Salah incident in Everton vs Liverpool
Michael Oliver made a baffling mistake after Liverpool icon Mohamed Salah was brought down by Everton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz in the Merseyside derby, according to Keith Hackett.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider it was “difficult to understand” why the referee had not awarded a free-kick in a dangerous area just minutes before Everton scored their equaliser.
The English referee has been the subject of intense scrutiny recently, after the FA overturned his decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Wolves.
Oliver recently faced abuse from Arsenal fans online after showing the young left-back a straight red card, but Oliver had worked hard to keep control of the Merseyside derby according to Hackett.
Mohamed Salah foul not given for Liverpool before James Tarkowski strike
The Reds had taken a 2-1 lead going into stoppage time, and it looked like they were going to spoil the Goodison Park farewell for Everton fans.
James Tarkowski then took matters into his own hands, scoring the last goal in a Merseyside derby at the Toffee’s home ground, ahead of a move to a new stadium next season.
The English centre-back’s stunning volley in the 98th minute was the catalyst for rapturous celebrations, and Arne Slot, Curtis Jones and Abdoulaye Doucoure were all sent-off after the final whistle.
However, Liverpool were unfortunate not to be awarded a foul in a dangerous area in the 92nd minute, after Alcaraz appeared to bring down the Egyptian winger.
Ex-PGMOL chief, Hackett, gave his expert opinion to Football Insider, saying: “It is frankly difficult to understand how the award of a free kick was not the outcome of this foul challenge.”
Liverpool pick up point at Everton that could prove pivotal in final reckoning
The Reds missed a valuable opportunity to move nine points clear of Arsenal in the title race.
However, the real danger to Slot’s side is the potential impact on morale, following the Toffee’s last gasp equaliser.
A Premier League crown is in touching distance for the Dutchman, but Liverpool will have to bounce back from the heartbreak against Everton and prove themselves once again.
The Gunners have lost Kai Havertz to injury, and look like less of a threat to Liverpool than they did at Christmas, but Mikel Arteta’s side remain a threat going into the business end of the season.