Liverpool coach Arne Slot also raised questions about the referee’s decision.
Liverpool’s impressive run seems to have hit a roadblock. After dropping points to a struggling Manchester United in the Premier League, they have now lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the League Cup. Defender Virgil van Dijk expressed his frustration over a controversial referee decision during the match.
In the first leg of the League Cup semi-final on Wednesday, Liverpool suffered a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham’s ground. Van Dijk was particularly frustrated by the referee’s decision not to show a second yellow card to Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergival for a “harsh tackle” late in the game. Moments after that incident, the 18-year-old Bergival scored the decisive goal.
Earlier in the second half, Bergival had already been booked for fouling Luis Diaz. So, when he committed a tough challenge on Liverpool defender Kostas Tsimikas, a second yellow card would have left Tottenham with 10 men.
However, referee Stuart Attwell allowed play to continue, and shortly after, Bergival latched onto Dominic Solanke’s pass to score. At that moment, Greek defender Tsimikas was receiving treatment off the field.
Despite being given four minutes of regular time and seven minutes of added time, Liverpool failed to find an equalizer.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Van Dijk voiced his frustration and disappointment.
“Of course, it should have been a second yellow card. It was almost clear, and one minute later, he (Bergival) scores the winning goal. That’s just how it is. I think the referee made a mistake, and I told him that, but he doesn’t see it that way. It was pretty obvious, and everyone on the sideline knew it.”
However, Van Dijk clarified that this decision wasn’t the sole reason for Liverpool’s defeat.
“There was a linesman, a fourth official, and even VAR… yet he didn’t get a second yellow card. I’m not saying that’s why we lost, but it was a big moment in the game.”
Liverpool coach Arne Slot echoed Van Dijk’s sentiments but was even more direct in his criticism.
“That referee decision had a significant impact on the match.”
Carrying the disappointment of this defeat, Liverpool will look to bounce back in the second leg at Anfield on February 6.
