Virgil van Dijk Challenges Referee Over Controversial Decision in Liverpool’s Defeat to Tottenham
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk disclosed that he confronted referee Stuart Attwell following their 1-0 loss to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg, criticizing the decision not to send off Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall.
The 18-year-old Bergvall netted the only goal of the game in the 86th minute, marking his first for Spurs and giving them a slim advantage ahead of the second leg at Anfield. However, Liverpool players and fans were outraged, believing Bergvall should have received a second yellow card for a foul on Kostas Tsimikas just before scoring.
In an interview with Sky Sports after the match, Van Dijk remarked, “It was clear as day that it should have been a second yellow. Everyone on the sidelines saw it.” The controversy stemmed from Bergvall fouling Tsimikas less than a minute after being booked for a sliding challenge on Luis Diaz. Many Liverpool supporters felt that the second foul was more significant than the first.
While Van Dijk insisted the referee had made an error, he made it clear that he wasn’t blaming the defeat entirely on that call. “I’m not saying this is why we lost, but it was a critical moment in the match,” he explained.
The Dutch defender also acknowledged Tottenham’s strong display, noting how they made it challenging for Liverpool to score. “We had some good spells and chances, but we just couldn’t finish,” he said. “Now, we focus on the second leg at Anfield.”
Van Dijk also praised Tottenham for their improved performance since their recent 6-3 loss to Liverpool. “They were much better defensively this time. We had our opportunities, but breaking them down wasn’t easy,” he added.
As Liverpool prepares for the return leg at Anfield, Van Dijk remains hopeful, stressing the need to learn from the first encounter. The upcoming match will decide who advances to the final, with Liverpool determined to overturn the slight deficit.
