Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has offered his verdict on whether or not Virgil van Dijk should have been sent off for violent conduct in Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Newcastle United. The Reds were involved in chaotic encounter at St. James’ Park with a late Fabian Schar goal seeing the six-goal thriller end all square.
Alexander Isak had fired the Magpies into the lead during the first half, but Curtis Jones equalised early into the second period. Anthony Gordon put the hosts back in front – only for Mohamed Salah to grab a 15-minute brace which turned the game on its head before Schar helped Newcastle snatch a point in the final minute.
The officials at Stockley Park helping Andy Madley, Wade Smith and Craig Taylor run the game endured a busy evening with VAR required on many occasions. The first instance surrounded Isak’s opener with the technology confirming the right decision was made on the pitch to allow his goal, despite offside calls.
Deep into added time, appeals were also waved away for a Liverpool penalty following a potential hand ball by Dan Burn. In the wake of that, the Premier League Match Centre wrote on X: “The referee’s call of no penalty for a potential handball by Burn is checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that his arm was tucked into the body.”
A lesser incident which, perhaps, might not have been picked up by most saw Van Dijk clash with Gordon. Replays showed the Liverpool captain attempting to shove Gordon out of the way, but height difference between the pair made it look as though Van Dijk caught him in the face.
With Newcastle infuriated that no decision was given in their favour, Gallagher has now provided his thoughts on the incident. “It’s difficult to say,” he said via Sky Sports’ Ref Watch. “There’s two players running side-by-side… Does he throw his arm into him?
“His arms are by his side. He doesn’t use his elbow as a weapon.
The referee judges it as a coming together, VAR has a look and says no. Referee’s decision is the default.”
Gallagher, an ex-Premier League referee, continued: “They have to say is it violent conduct if it’s going to be a red card. We see there’s a clash.
“Clenched fist, elbow drawn back, that’s when you think it’s violent. He leaves a bit on him, but not enough for the referee [to give Van Dijk a yellow or red card].”
