Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has slammed the referee decision that saw Tottenham match-winner Lucas Bergvall avoid a sending-off for a challenge on Kostas Tsimikas in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
Bergvall scored the only goal as Liverpool were beaten by Spurs to gain an advantage going into the second leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final. The 18-year-old was originally booked by referee Stuart Attwell for a late challenge on Luis Diaz in the 68th minute.
Moments before his goal, Bergvall lunged in late on Tsimikas leading to a stoppage in play where the Liverpool left-back was removed from the pitch, meaning the away side were down to 10 players temporarily. While Tsimikas watched on from the sidelines, Spurs countered with Bergvall finishing off the move to give them a narrow lead to take into the return leg at Anfield on Thursday February 6.
Speaking after the game, Van Dijk – who confronted the officials at full-time – was adamant that Bergvall should have been booked a second time.
“I think it was quite obvious that it was going to be a second yellow,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports.
“Obviously I think it was pretty clear [from what I said to the referee]. It was no coincidence that a minute later he scored the winner.
“He [Attwell] made a mistake in my opinion and I told him that. It was quite obvious I think and everyone on the sidelines knew it was supposed to be a yellow.
“There is a linesman there, a fourth official. There is VAR there and a referee, and he doesn’t get a second yellow. I’m not saying this is the reason we lost today, but it was a big moment in the game.”Liverpool boss Arne Slot shared in his captain’s frustration at the winning goal. (Skysports)