Virgil van Dijk slams ‘fairly clear referee mistake’ that would value Liverpool silverware

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk has made his feelings clear on the referee’s decision not to give Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall a second yellow-card just before netting the winner

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has criticised referee Stuart Attwell’s decision not to send off Tottenham’s Lucas Bergvall.

Bergvall, 18, had been booked midway through the second-half. Heading towards the end of the game, the Swedish midfielder put in a heavy challenge on Kostas Tsimikas.

The tackle was deemed a foul as Attwell played advantage, however, the English referee did not go back and book Bergvall. The 18-year-old then went on to score the winning goal shortly after and Van Dijk was left fuming at the missed second yellow.

He said after the game: “It was quite obvious [it] was going to be a second yellow, it was pretty clear. Then a minute later he scores the winner.

“The ref made a mistake and I told him that. It was quite obvious and everyone on the sideline knew it was a yellow

“He should have been off. There is a linesman, fourth official, VAR and referee and he doesn’t get a second yellow. I’m not saying it is the reason why we lost but it was a big moment.”

What makes matters worse is that Tsimikas, the player who Bergvall clattered, was off the pitch waiting to come back on whilst the Swede scored his controversial goal.

The Liverpool sideline were also seething following the Attwell decision. Arne Slot could be seen protesting to the fourth official whilst his assistant coach Sipke Hulshoff was booked for his complaints.

The game was the first in England men’s football history to have the VAR decisions announced across the speakers in the stadium. Dominic Solanke’s goal was announced as disallowed due to offside, but Slot believes it should have been used for something else.

“It would be more interesting if he explained why he didn’t give a second yellow card than why he cancelled the goal,” Slot said. “But I know that’s not the rule.”

However, Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou stood by the law and stated: “I can see why Arne would be very disappointed but apparently they’re the rules.

“He [Bergvall] wasn’t lucky to be on the pitch. If the advantage gets played and it’s not a cynical tackle, then it’s not a yellow. We’ve been screaming for it in the last two months and that’s what we’ve been told.”