Rodgers agrees with officials after 'unfortunate' Liverpool draw with rivals

Liverpool boss feels referee made correct decision to rule out Sylvain Distin's second half goal

Brendan Rodgers looks on as his side drew 0-0 with rivals Everton (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was pull of praise for referee Michael Oliver after his sides 0-0 draw with Merseyside rivals Everton, after he made the decision to rule out Sylvain Distin’s second-half goal.

Oliver believed striker Victor Anichebe impeded goalkeeper Jose Reina preventing him getting to the floated corner, which Distin leapt over Jamie Carragher and head into the back of the net. However, Oliver had already blown his whistle for the free-kick and it is a decision that Rodgers backs.

“I think when you see it again the referee has good sight of it early," he said. "As the ball has virtually left the corner he has blown up for a foul.

"I wasn't 100 per cent sure at the time it wasn't for Distin's foul on (Jamie) Carragher or whether it was Anichebe but I think it was Anichebe's initial push. It is one of those where if you are the manager you probably see the decision as the correct one.

"I am sure David will be disappointed the goal did not stand but I thought Michael was very good today."

Rodgers reflected on the Luis Suarez goal that was ruled out when the two sides drew 2-2 earlier in the season, insisting that it was different to that of today’s encounter.

"This was different to our goal at Goodison Park, he (Suarez) was clearly onside when he scored," he added.

"If you look at this decision here, the referee has had a clear view of it and before there is any contact with the ball he has already blown.

The former Swansea boss felt that his side should have won the match but in the end seemed content with the point that leaves them five points adrift of the Toffees.

"I thought it was a typical, frantic game," he continued. “First half we had no fluency really with only a couple of half-possibilities. It was a much better second half. We created a few opportunities which we maybe could have scored.

"I thought we were unfortunate not to score."