“Van Dijk opens up on post-match talk with Simons after red card”

 

 

Virgil van Dijk insisted he does not believe Tottenham’s Xavi Simons intended to injure him, though he declined to disclose the details of their post-match conversation. The Dutch defender was struck on his Achilles and subsequently sent off.

VAR intervened after Simons was initially shown a yellow card while the match was still goalless. Liverpool went on to win 2-1 in north London, with Cristian Romero also sent off as Spurs chased the game.

Referee John Brooks, advised by Stockley Park officials, upgraded Simons’ punishment to a straight red card for serious foul play. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed: “After VAR review, the referee overturned the yellow card and issued a red card for serious foul play. The Tottenham No.7 caught the Liverpool No.4 on the calf high with studs—an act of serious foul play. Final decision: red card.”

Van Dijk admitted the challenge caused him pain but emphasized he believed there was no malicious intent. “I don’t think he meant to hurt me, but he did, and the referee and VAR made the decision to send him off. I spoke to him afterward, but that’s private,” he said.

Simons described the tackle as an accident and apologised on social media: “Mistakes happen. Virg is my captain. I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone. To my teammates, manager, and fans, I take responsibility and I’m very sorry.”

Tottenham manager Thomas Frank expressed disbelief over the decision, calling it harsh. “It wasn’t reckless or exceptional force. He was chasing Van Dijk and changed direction; unfortunately, his foot landed on the Achilles. We can’t appeal this, but it’s absolutely wrong,” he added.