Virgil van Dijk appeared to mock Aurelien Tchouameni during Liverpool’s victory over Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Tchouameni was at the centre of the game’s biggest controversy after seemingly handling the ball inside his own box just before half-time. The referee initially gave a free kick, but changed the decision to a dropped ball for Real Madrid after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitor. Despite BBC reporter Dale Johnson later clarifying the rule, the decision still left many confused, especially with the score still 0-0 at that stage.
Van Dijk taunts Tchouameni with ‘handball’ sign
Later in the match, with Liverpool awarded a free kick, Van Dijk seized the moment to poke fun at the Frenchman. The Liverpool captain noticed Tchouameni standing in the wall and raised both hands with his palms open — as if to suggest, “Go on, try using your hands again.”
Tchouameni appeared to notice and cheekily stuck out his elbow in response.
Tchouameni solid, but Liverpool’s midfield dominated
Although Liverpool have previously been linked with Tchouameni, they never made a serious move for him. Statistically, he performed well: according to Sofascore, he completed every dribble, 91% of his passes, won multiple duels and tackles, and contributed key defensive actions.
Still, he was overshadowed by Liverpool’s midfield duo Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who looked back to their elite best and controlled the game throughout.
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