Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett has picked out seven incidents which Virgil van Dijk should’ve been punished more for.
On Sunday, Van Dijk endured a tough afternoon at Craven Cottage as Liverpool fell to a 3-2 defeat against Fulham.
Ryan Sessegnon, Alex Iwobi and Rodrigo Muniz were all on the scoresheet for the hosts in the first half to cancel out Alexis Mac Allister’s opener.
Luis Diaz made it 3-2 in the second half but Arne Slot’s men failed to find an equaliser. As a result, their lead at the top of the Premier League table has been cut to 11 points with seven matches left to play.
At the start of the match, Van Dijk clashed with Muniz inside the penalty area but the Cottagers’ penalty appeals were waved away.
However, reacting to the decision, Heckett believes Van Dijk got lucky and picked out six further incidents where the Liverpool skipper should have received harsher punishment.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Hackett said: “Virgil van Dijk once again unfairly impedes his opponent. He knows exactly what he is doing. He has no chance of getting the ball, turns his back and effectively blocks Rodrigo Muniz. Van Dijk is a serial offender and gets away with another one.”
Van Dijk vs Kai Havertz
Van Dijk appeared to kick out at Havertz during Arsenal’s 2-2 draw with Liverpool earlier in the season. Van Dijk was not booked, which Hackett disagreed with.
He said: “Whilst attempting to kick an opponent is a red-card offence, because Van Dijk’s actions lacked a degree of brutality and limited force, I do feel that the referee should have produced a yellow card for an act of unsporting behaviour.”
Van Dijk vs Amadou Onana
Hackett believes Van Dijk should have been sent off after catching Onana above the ankle with his studs during the 22/23 season.
He said: “Van Dijk’s challenge used excessive force and endangered the safety of his opponent, using his outstretched right leg, with studs landing on the shin of his opponent. The challenge fulfilled the criteria for serious foul play.”
Van Dijk vs Auston Trusty
Last season, replays showed the Liverpool man laying both hands on Trusty’s neck before the Sheffield United player went to ground, Hackett again feels Van Dijk should have received his marching orders.
Hackett explained: “When I ran PGMOL, this would have been an automatic red-card offence but it is not punished as often now.”
Van Dijk vs Anthony Gordon
During a dramatic 3-3 draw, Van Dijk appeared to step across and catch Gordon in the face inside the Liverpool penalty area.
Hackett said: “Gordon was brought down to the ground by a late and deliberate body check, Van Dijk deliberately changing direction to move in front of and use his shoulder against his opponent. This should have resulted in a penalty kick and a minimum yellow card.”
Van Dijk vs Dominic Solanke
During the Carabao Cup clash between Liverpool and Spurs, it was spotted that Van Dijk caught Solanke on the back of his leg, with Hackett saying the Dutchman should have been booked.
Van Dijk vs Richarlison
Last but not least, Van Dijk was seen tangling with Richarlison, which Hackett believes should have been a yellow card as Van Dijk caught the Spurs man in the face.
