Reds boss full of praise for the man in the middle.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers gave his full backing to referee Michael Oliver despite the official being heavily criticised by Everton boss David Moyes following Sunday afternoon’s Merseyside derby at Anfield.
The man in the middle came under fire from Moyes after he had controversially disallowed Sylvain Distin’s second-half header following a ‘foul’ by Everton front man Victor Anichebe on Liverpool keeper Jose Manuel Reina.
However, Rodgers was full of praise for the young referee, who he thought had had an excellent game as the two fierce city rivals fought out a goalless draw.
The result meant that the visitors maintained their five-point lead over the Reds with now just two games of the season left to play, meaning it will now take a miracle for Rodgers and Co to finish above Everton in the Premier League standings come May 19.
And if that were to be the case, then it would be the first time since the Thirties that such a scenario had taken place.
“This was different to our decision when we played at Goodison and that was clearly onside when he scored,” said Rodgers in his post-match press conference.
“If you look at this decision, the referee has a clear view, the ball is in flight and before there is any contact, he blew his whistle.
“I don’t think we were fortunate. I thought Michael was very good today. He’s a young referee, who is coming through the game and he did excellent.”
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