Virgil van Dijk emerged as the voice of reason during a fiery post-match melee between Liverpool and Everton, with a lip reader revealing the 18 words he said to referee Michael Oliver and manager Arne Slot as tempers flared at Goodison Park.

The Merseyside Derby ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, with James Tarkowski’s late volley securing a point for Everton. However, the match was overshadowed by a mass brawl that erupted after Abdoulaye Doucouré celebrated his side’s equaliser provocatively in front of Liverpool’s fans. Curtis Jones took exception, leading to a scuffle that resulted in red cards for both players, as well as for Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his assistant Sipke Hulshoff.

Amid the chaos, Van Dijk remained composed and was seen speaking to referee Michael Oliver and his furious manager. According to respected lip reader Jeremy Green, the Liverpool captain told Oliver: *“Hey… Michael… that was not a pull… Michael… it isn’t personal… Michael… it isn’t personal… hey!”* He then turned to Slot, who was visibly enraged, and urged him to *“Keep away.”*

Slot’s red card meant he was unable to conduct his post-match media duties, leaving Van Dijk to address the press. The Dutch defender expressed his frustration with the officiating and the nature of Everton’s celebrations, saying: *“We all know this is their cup final, and they will do everything in their power to try and win against us. This year, you see them scoring at the end, and it’s obviously a big boost for them, but it’s a blow for us. We all saw how they celebrated a goal—they have every right to—but I think Doucouré, in the end, wanted to provoke our fans from what I saw, and Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do.”*

Van Dijk also criticized referee Michael Oliver, claiming he lost control of the game: *“Obviously, you know what happens when there’s a little tussle, but I didn’t think the ref had the game under control. I said that to him.”*

The controversy began when Doucouré celebrated Everton’s equaliser in front of Liverpool’s travelling supporters, sparking a reaction from Jones. As players from both sides rushed in, Oliver issued red cards to Jones and Doucouré. Liverpool were further incensed by the goal itself, arguing that Everton’s Beto had fouled Ibrahima Konaté in the build-up. Despite a VAR review, the goal stood, igniting wild celebrations at Goodison Park.

With Jones and Slot suspended, Liverpool now face an added challenge as they prepare to host Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. Van Dijk’s calm demeanor and leadership, however, will be crucial as the Reds look to regroup and keep their title hopes alive.