He gave Oldham a controversial penalty late in the first half and ruled out a home goal with another close decision in the second half.
The home team battled hard all the way, but Oldham were never subdued and probably deserved the point that keeps their promotion hopes alive.
Hartlepool were the better side in the first half, but went in level at the break after Oldham were given an injury-time lifeline.
Lee Bullock blasted the home team ahead on nine minutes at the end of a great four-man move that tore the Oldham defence wide open.
Matty Robson's 25-yard free-kick was pushed against his right-hand post by Oldham keeper Lee Grant as the home team dominated.
But they lost lively striker Joel Porter through injury and Oldham slowly forced their way back into the game.
But the visitors struggled to create chances until the last seconds of the first half, when Richie Wellens blasted a long-range shot into as crowded area and referee Friend awarded a penalty for handball when the ball hit Bullock.
Top-scorer Luke Beckett waited for Hartlepool's protests to die down before slotting his spot-kick into the bottom corner.
The home team were just as angry after 58 minutes when striker Adam Boyd's goal was disallowed.
He cut inside from the right and blasted his shot into the far corner. Mr Friend appeared to be allowing the goal to stand but a flag went up and it was ruled out.
The ball had brushed off Michael Proctor on the way to the net and he had been ruled offside.