Jamie Redknapp showed little sympathy for Virgil van Dijk after the Liverpool skipper claimed he had been fouled in the build-up to Bournemouth’s dramatic stoppage-time winner on Saturday night.

Liverpool had clawed their way back from 2–0 down to make it 2–2 late in the game, but deep into added time Bournemouth earned a throw-in just outside the Reds’ box. From the resulting set piece, Liverpool’s defending completely unraveled, allowing Amine Adli to prod home the winner and spark wild celebrations at the Vitality Stadium. At full-time, a furious Arne Slot headed straight for the officials.

Van Dijk was visibly angry after the final whistle and told Sky Sports he felt he’d been blocked just before the decisive goal. “I felt that I was clearly blocked, but the referee and VAR didn’t give it,” he said. “We have to accept it, but in my opinion I was blocked.”

Redknapp, however, dismissed the claim during his post-match analysis. Reviewing the footage on Sky Sports, he argued that Bournemouth were not at fault. “He was blocked, he was fouled — but by his own player,” Redknapp explained. “That’s the issue. Watch Virgil’s right foot. As he goes to jump, he clips his own teammate and can’t attack the header.”
While Van Dijk’s frustration was understandable in the heat of the moment, the replays made it clear his anger was misplaced. As Redknapp pointed out, it was Curtis Jones who accidentally collided with the captain. Even after that mix-up, Liverpool still had chances to clear their lines but failed badly, giving Adli the opening to strike.

Despite getting on the scoresheet earlier in the match, it was a disappointing night overall for Van Dijk. He was also at fault in the build-up to Evanilson’s opener, failing to properly deal with a long ball into the box.

When Liverpool review the match in the coming days, they are likely to accept that responsibility for the defeat lies with their own mistakes rather than the officials. The chaotic concession of Adli’s winner will linger on the long trip back to Merseyside, leaving the Reds dependent on results elsewhere to avoid slipping out of the top four.

Redknapp’s full breakdown of the goal can be viewed via Sky Sports on X.