Alexander Isak suffered a suspected leg fracture following a challenge from Micky van de Ven during Saturday’s Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham.
Liverpool and Tottenham have received a new referee’s verdict after Micky van de Ven’s tackle on Alexander Isak is suspected of causing the striker to break his leg. Arne Slott’s team narrowly won 2-1 on Saturday, with Isak scoring the opening goal in the second half.
However, after scoring, Van de Ven’s sliding tackle caught Isak’s leg, forcing him to leave the pitch. The immediate concerns expressed by his teammates painted a grim picture. A stretcher was called, but Isaac managed to limp out with the help of Liverpool’s medical team.
Initial concerns about a possible ACL injury were quickly dispelled by the club, but the suspected diagnosis is just as serious. Reports on Sunday suggested he may have suffered a fracture in his lower leg, but the severity of the injury and recovery time remain unclear, pending further scans and an update from the club.
read more: Mohamed Salah ‘crisis’, Egypt manager mentions in predictions for Liverpoolread more: Liverpool manager: Wertz solution found, Arne Slott signed for £65m to replace Alexander Isak
Understandably, the incident led many observers to question why Van Deven was not penalized, given the ferocity of the tackle. Replays showed he rushed into the challenge with little chance of getting the ball, resulting in the 125 million pound man being seriously injured.
The incident has sparked debate, with experts on Sky Sports Ref Watch divided on whether it was a red card violation. Former professional Jay Bothroyd claimed that Van Deven’s intention was not to injure Isak, but the reckless nature of the tackle should have led to a sending off.
“Van de Ven did not intentionally try to harm Isaac,” he explained. “Obviously he’s coming in trying to stop the goal, trying to stop the shot.
“This is an example where, yes, Isak scored a goal, but it should still be a red card. He’s charging, he’s lunging at him. That’s all the explanation you want to give for a red card challenge. They allowed it because he scored a goal.”
“He’s charging, he’s out of control. He’s trying to make a block, but he’s never going to get there. If it’s in the middle of the park, it’s a red card.”
However, former referee Dermot Gallagher disagreed, insisting the challenge was not an offense worthy of a red card and that the result of the tackle should not overshadow its nature.
“I don’t think he did anything that a football player wouldn’t do,” he explained. “I would be surprised if it came out as a red card anywhere on the field.
“Players always make mistime challenges. He’s a little behind… it’s not a red card. Whether it’s in the penalty area, in the D area, in the center circle or in the other half.”
However, both experts agreed that the referee was right to send off Xavi Simons for his tackle on Virgil van Dijk in the first half. The Dutchman launched a dangerous attack on the national team captain, catching the defender’s calf with his studs.
“Let me be clear: I don’t think Simmons intended to do that, but he did it,” he added of the Simmons incident. “Once you see the replay, you can’t go back.
“When you see that in VAR, it’s always a red card in modern football. He’s unlucky, but there’s always going to be a red card. You can’t have challenges like that anymore.”
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
