It seems as though every big football occasion these days comes with its own dose of Michael Oliver controversy. The Premier League’s most high-profile referee once again found himself at the heart of heated debate following a fiery Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. At this point, the level of scrutiny and conspiracy theories surrounding Oliver’s decisions is becoming increasingly tiresome, bordering on the absurd.
The match itself was nothing short of dramatic, with tensions running high throughout. Everton and Liverpool battled to a 2-2 draw, but the final whistle marked the beginning of an even bigger spectacle. Northumberland-born Oliver brandished four red cards in the post-match chaos, further fueling the online outrage directed at him.
Chaos at Goodison Park
The game’s climax was nothing short of extraordinary. Everton defender James Tarkowski headed in a dramatic equaliser in the 98th minute, sparking wild celebrations inside Goodison Park in what was the last Merseyside derby at the old stadium. As emotions boiled over, Abdoulaye Doucoure charged towards the Liverpool supporters, celebrating right in front of them, leading to an angry confrontation with Curtis Jones. The Liverpool midfielder retaliated, and Oliver wasted no time in issuing both players second yellow cards, sending them off.
The chaos didn’t end there. Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff were also shown red cards for their protests, adding another layer of controversy to an already dramatic night. The Reds were incensed over Everton’s equaliser, arguing that Doucoure had been offside in the buildup and that Beto had fouled Ibrahima Konaté. However, after a VAR check, the goal stood, leaving Liverpool fans frustrated as their side dropped crucial points in the title race.
Despite the setback, Liverpool still sit seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table, with many still considering them strong favorites to lift the title. However, the emotional fallout from the match—both on and off the pitch—suggests that tensions are beginning to rise within the squad.
The Oliver Backlash: Predictable and Overblown
As expected, social media erupted in yet another round of accusations and conspiracy theories against Oliver. Just days after he was accused of bias against Arsenal ahead of their Carabao Cup semi-final clash with Newcastle, he once again became the target of wild speculation.
Twitter was soon filled with posts from furious Liverpool fans, some alleging that Oliver’s decisions were part of a grand scheme to benefit Newcastle United. “Newcastle fan Michael Oliver tries to upset Liverpool any way he can ahead of the cup final” read one post. Another claimed, “Newcastle fan Michael Oliver handing out free yellows to the team Newcastle are soon to play in a final.”
The idea that Oliver, one of the Premier League’s most experienced referees, is actively working against certain clubs is as ridiculous as it is unoriginal. Conspiracy theories in football are nothing new—they’ve existed for as long as the sport itself. It’s the same kind of thinking that fuels speculation about referees having hidden allegiances, or claims that the game is rigged in favor of certain teams. Much like those who still debate whether JFK was really shot by a lone gunman, there will always be fans eager to believe that referees have an agenda.
Newcastle’s Final Test and Liverpool’s Growing Pressure
While the noise around Oliver’s officiating continues, the attention will soon turn to the Carabao Cup final, where Newcastle United will look to defy the odds. The Magpies are set to face Liverpool on Sunday, March 16, and will enter the contest as underdogs. The last time Newcastle reached a final, they struggled against Manchester United, suffering a 2-0 defeat in the 2023 Carabao Cup final. This time, Eddie Howe and his squad will be determined to put up a better fight.
However, even with Newcastle’s renewed hunger, Liverpool remain overwhelming favorites. Slot’s side has been impressive both domestically and in Europe, showing resilience and consistency throughout the season. Many have praised the Dutchman for the way he has transitioned the team after Jurgen Klopp’s departure, refining their tactical approach while maintaining their intensity.
That being said, every successful team faces moments of doubt. No matter how dominant Liverpool may appear, there will always be nagging concerns among supporters. Their inability to see out the win against Everton, combined with their recent shock FA Cup exit to Championship side Plymouth Argyle, has led to murmurs of uncertainty. Are cracks beginning to show?
For Newcastle, this uncertainty could be an opportunity. If Liverpool are feeling the pressure, it may give Eddie Howe and his squad belief that they can pull off an upset. While the Reds remain favorites, the emotional fallout from Goodison Park suggests that not everything is as smooth as it seems.
In the end, football fans will continue to debate refereeing decisions, analyze every moment, and fuel wild theories. But one thing is certain—Newcastle will need more than conspiracy theories to claim their first major trophy in decades.
Liverpool’s pathetic Michael Oliver Newcastle United claims show Carabao Cup final chink
