Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was fouled by compatriot Xavi Simmons and the Tottenham star was sent off for a challenge that cost the Premier League champions
Virgil van Dijk does not believe Tottenham star Xavi Simons tried to hurt him, but did not reveal the nature of his conversation with his international team-mate. The Dutch midfielder was sent off after hitting the Liverpool ace’s Achilles tendon.
VAR intervened after Simmons was initially given a yellow card after the match remained scoreless. Cristian Romero was also given his marching orders as Thomas Frank’s side chased the game, as the Reds cruised to a 2-1 win in north London.
Referee John Brooks was advised by Stockley Park officials to reassess the incident and as a result upgraded the penalty to a straight red card. In a statement, the Premier League Match Center said: “Following a VAR review, the referee overturned his initial decision to award Simmons a yellow card and issued a red card for serious foul play.”
“The referee’s statement: “After review, Tottenham’s No. 7 with studs catches the Liverpool player (No. 4) at calf height. This is a serious foul. My final decision is a red card.”
Liverpool veteran Van Dijk admitted he was hurt by the challenge. The defender seemed confident that the foul was not malicious.
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“I don’t think he intended to hurt me, but obviously he hurt me and the referee and VAR took the decision to send him off,” Van Dijk added. “Yeah, I talked to him (after the game). It’s a conversation that no one needs to know.”
Simmons said the challenge was simply a mistake and apologized to his compatriots and Spurs fans.
“Mistakes happen,” he said on social media. “Varg is my captain and I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone else. I take responsibility for this and I am truly sorry to my Spurs team-mates, the manager and the fans.”
Spurs manager Frank was in disbelief that his player had been criticized so harshly because of the accident. “I’ve seen them given, but I don’t like this to be a red card,” he said.
“It’s not reckless, it’s not extraordinary strength. He chased Van Dijk and changed direction, but unfortunately his foot was on his Achilles tendon.
“We will no longer be allowed physical contact and he will be entitled to three games. That is absolutely wrong and there will probably be no appeal.”
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