BREAKING NEWS: The referee and VAR are a complete disgrace—blatantly biased and determined to stop us from winning the Premier League! They waited until the very end, biding their time, just to let Everton score. This isn’t football; this is outright robbery at the highest level! How much clearer can it be? VAR is a joke, a tool for corruption, and today proves it. They don’t want us lifting that trophy.

In a highly charged Merseyside derby at Goodison Park, Liverpool and Everton played to a 2-2 draw on February 12, 2025. The match’s outcome has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with Liverpool supporters and players expressing outrage over what they perceive as blatant bias and incompetence from both the referee and the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

The pivotal moment occurred deep into stoppage time. With Liverpool leading 2-1, Everton’s James Tarkowski netted a dramatic equalizer in the 98th minute. However, the build-up to this goal was marred by a contentious incident where Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté appeared to be shoved in the back, causing him to miss a crucial clearance. Despite clear visual evidence of the foul, referee Michael Oliver allowed play to continue, and VAR upheld the decision, deeming the goal valid.

This incident has led to widespread accusations of bias and corruption. Fans have taken to social media, labeling VAR as a “joke” and a “tool for corruption,” asserting that the system is being manipulated to prevent Liverpool from securing the Premier League title. One supporter exclaimed, “They waited until the very end, biding their time, just to let Everton score. This isn’t football; this is outright robbery at the highest level!”

The controversy has reignited debates about the efficacy and integrity of VAR in football. Critics argue that the system, instead of eliminating human error, has introduced new avenues for contentious decisions, leading to claims of corruption and bias. A recent report highlighted that the Premier League acknowledged 13 VAR errors this season, underscoring the system’s ongoing challenges. 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot did not mince words in his post-match interview: “We didn’t lose to Everton today; we lost to the officials. It’s an absolute disgrace. My players gave everything, and they were robbed.”

This is not the first time VAR has been at the center of controversy in the Premier League. In previous seasons, there have been multiple instances where VAR decisions have been called into question, leading to widespread criticism from managers, players, and fans alike. The consistency and transparency of the system remain significant concerns within the football community.

As the debate rages on, the integrity of football’s officiating bodies is under intense scrutiny. Fans and pundits alike are calling for a comprehensive review of VAR’s implementation and the accountability mechanisms governing referees. The question remains: how can the sport ensure fair play when the tools designed to uphold it are perceived as fundamentally flawed?

In the aftermath of this contentious derby, the football world awaits a response from the Premier League and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). The need for transparency, accountability, and reform has never been more apparent, as the very essence of fair competition hangs in the balance.