Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk was the unfortunate victim of a rash challenge from Everton's Jordan Pickford in today's Merseyside derby.
Trailing 1-0 to an early Sadio Mane goal, the Everton 'keeper lunged leg-first at van Dijk as the defender moved in on the Everton goal.
To the great concern of Liverpool fans, the Dutch centre-half was deemed incapable of continuing on and was replaced by Joe Gomez.
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk leaves the game with an injury after a challenge by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.Despite the nature of Pickford's dangerous challenge, as Virgil van Dijk happened to be in an offside position when the tackle was made, the English 'keeper and Everton went unpunished.
Should Jordan Pickford still be on the pitch? 🤔
His tackle on Virgil van Dijk came while the defender was ruled offside, but VAR didn't suggest Michael Oliver gave it another look. pic.twitter.com/owmCaRpzWb— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 17, 2020
For most watching today's Merseyside derby, the decision was met with incredulity.
Something wrong with rules where Bilic can get sent off after half-time whistle for arguing with ref but Pickford can get away with challenge like that because attacker was offside. Still dangerous.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) October 17, 2020
I can't really understand how or why Pickford went for the ball like that.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) October 17, 2020
That is a terrible challenge by Pickford. Outfield player makes that challenge and it's a straight red
— Oliver Holt (@OllieHolt22) October 17, 2020
Pickford very lucky to get away with that. Reckless.
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) October 17, 2020
If Pickford had punched Van Dijk then, he'd have been sent off, regardless of whether the whistle had gone or not. But that challenge was just as dangerous and reckless and he's got away without even a warning.
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) October 17, 2020
Not sure how an offside enables you to challenge like that. Absolutely awful from Pickford. The clearest red card you’ll ever see.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) October 17, 2020
So if it’s offside it’s a free play and you can destroy somebody with impunity? That’s crazy. Pickford should be off, and instead it’s Van Dijk off injured.
— Grant Wahl (@GrantWahl) October 17, 2020
Klopp waiting for Pickford at full time. pic.twitter.com/NS5Vs8KLl3
— Kloppholic (@Kloppholic) October 17, 2020
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk (right) is challenged by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford during the Premier League match at Goodison Park, Liverpool.Shortly after van Dijk was forced from the field of play, Michael Keane equalised for Carlo Ancelotti's side and the score currently stands at 1-1.
Michael Keane heads Everton level in the Merseyside derby 🔵
No dance routines for these celebrations, a BIG goal for Ancelotti's men! pic.twitter.com/neRV7tanvh— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) October 17, 2020
You can keep up to date with all of today's Premier League action on OTBSports.com right here.
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