Liverpool Edge Everton in Controversial Derby Marred by Referee Incompetence

The latest Merseyside derby saw Liverpool grind out a hard-fought 1-0 win over Everton at Anfield, but it was a clash dominated not by tactical battles or individual brilliance, but by the staggering ineptitude of match officials. Speaking on the Daily Red Podcast, Dave Hendrick didn’t hold back in his assessment of both the performance and the officiating, labelling it “one of the worst refereeing performances I’ve ever seen”.

Derby Win Overshadowed by Referee Blunders

Liverpool emerged victorious thanks to a composed finish from Diogo Jota, but much of the post-match conversation centred on referee decisions that left fans—and Hendrick—bewildered.

From the outset, Hendrick claimed Liverpool were “playing against 13 men—Everton’s 11, the referee in their pocket, and the worst fella imaginable on VAR.” The tone was set when Luis Díaz was clearly fouled after keeping the ball in play and dribbling into the box, only for the referee to incorrectly award a corner. “VAR didn’t seem to check it properly and just said, ‘Oh yeah, corner, that’s fine,’” Hendrick noted.

Then came James Tarkowski’s “absolute horror show of a challenge” on Alexis Mac Allister, which somehow resulted in just a yellow card. “Both his feet were off the ground,” said Hendrick. “He went in recklessly with both feet off the ground with the intent to injure—and it should have been a red card.”

Jota’s Goal, the Diaz Offside Debate, and Pickford’s Acrobatics

The match-winning moment arrived in the 57th minute. Jota finished brilliantly after a flowing move involving Díaz, but Everton fans were quick to suggest the goal should have been ruled out for offside. Hendrick dismissed the idea entirely: “Luis Díaz does not make any effort to play the ball. He doesn’t influence what Tarkowski does. Tarkowski makes a mistake, and we punish it.”

Jota’s composed dribble and finish left Pickford stranded—literally. “Jordan Pickford decides to just leap to one side—I’m not really sure why—but he just leapt out of the way and left the goal gaping,” said Hendrick.

Second-Half Improvements and Tactical Adjustments

Despite a sluggish first half where Liverpool’s midfield were “almost fearful—slow, ponderous, sterile football,” Hendrick praised the second-half turnaround. “Virgil and Ibou played much more aggressively. Beto never got a kick. The midfield started playing with a bit of purpose.”

He also noted that “Diaz continued to be a problem. Jota started to really warm into the game. But we still weren’t getting the ball to Salah quick enough.”

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