Former Premier League referee Keith Hatgett believes Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was lucky not to receive a yellow card for his elbow on Richarlison early in the game as the
Reds beat Tottenham Hotspur 4-0 at home. The Reds cruised to the Carabao Cup final. But controversial action occurred in the third minute with the aggregate score at 1-0 when Van Dijk fought over the ball and elbowed Richarlison, sending him to the ground holding his face.
Some online fans believed Van Dijk should have been given a straight red card for violent conduct. However, referee Craig Pawson let play continue without showing a yellow card.
VAR was also used in the semi-finals, but referee Michael Salisbury upheld the original decision. With Van Dijk on the pitch to seal the win.
“Of course, Van Dijk was very lucky to elbow his opponent in that moment. สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น “And he didn’t get punished,” said Hackett, who officiated in the top flight until 1994.
“It was a dangerous challenge and bordering on being excessive. So Van Dijk deserved a yellow card at the very least. If I was the referee I’d give him the benefit of the doubt and show a yellow card, not a red.”
Former Scotland striker Ally McCoist attempted to explain: “I had a quick look at it. Van Dijk has his arm raised to shake Richarlison. And there’s no doubt there was an elbow, which the referee will have to consider. “Richarlison
will feel he has been unfairly treated. Van Dijk will get away with it. Because it was an elbow below the chin, he didn’t make contact with his opponent’s face.”