Virgil van Dijk ‘faces FA action’ over comment made after Everton 2-2 Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk faces FA action over a comment made after the dramatic 2-2 draw between Everton and Liverpool at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski’s superb late strike earned Everton a point in the final Merseyside derby to be staged at the famous old ground.
That sparked wild scenes that continued after the full-time whistle soon after, although things boiled over and referee Michael Oliver issued four red cards.
Van Dijk was not one of those player shown a red, but the Liverpool defender certainly made his feelings clear post-game.
What did Virgil van Dijk say after Everton v Liverpool?
Van Dijk was asked by TNT Sports after the game what he made of the melee that ensued at full-time, which came as a result of Curtis Jones shoving Abdoulaye Doucoure, who riled the Liverpool fans,
“Doucoure wanted to provoke our fans,” Van Dijk said. “Curtis didn’t think that was the right thing to do. I think the referee didn’t have the game under control; I said that to him.”
The Dutchman effectively called out referee Oliver after the game, which former FIFA official Keith Hackett believes could now land him in hot water.
Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, Hackett said: “It was not Oliver’s best night, but Virgil van Dijk will be dealt with by the Football Association. Depending on his previous record, it will determine the sanction he faces.”
Everton can build on fiery Liverpool draw
Everton could not quite make it four Premier League wins in a row, but the manner of this late point certainly made it feel that way.
Losing to Liverpool in the final derby to be staged at Goodison Park was just not possible. After Mohamed Salah put the visitors 2-1 up, though, it looked as though that would be the case.
Thankfully, Tarkowski had other ideas with his late strike – awarded after a lengthy delay – earning Everton a point that felt like so much more in the grand scheme of things.
Moyes has collected 10 points from the past 12 on offer and it is now a case of looking up the Premier League table, rather than down at the relegation zone.