Because the defense got away with a similar tackle in Liverpool’s victory over Bournemouth just one week prior, Virgil van Dijk’s displeasure at getting dismissed at Newcastle was increased.
On August 27, the Dutchman was dismissed at St James’ Park after scything down Alexander Isak after he was put through, though opinions on the decision were not unanimous. As the Magpies gained momentum, referee John Brooks quickly gave the players their orders, and VAR backed him up.
It was clear that Van Dijk was upset, as he was overheard on the referee mike calling it “an absolute f***ing joke.” He received a fine and an extended suspension for his actions, both of which he has accepted. Liverpool, though, explained in a letter how the inconsistency of the referees contributed to his annoyance.
Liverpool, though, offered the following justification on his behalf: “The player wishes to convey that his annoyance was due to his sincere conviction that his tackle on Alexander Isak was a legitimate challenge and not a foul. In our conversations with the player concerning the incident, he has explained to us that he made a similar or identical tackle against Dominic Solanke during the game against Bournemouth the week prior, and that tackle was not ruled a foul. The gamer became frustrated because of this erroneous strategy.
The Merseyside club continued, “He is adamant that he did not call the Referee a ‘f***ing joke’ and that he was referring to the referee’s decision and the subsequent decision by the VAR not to reverse the judgment when he made that statement.
