Arsenal fans argued that Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk should have been sent off for violent behavior during Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Emirates Stadium.
In the 18th minute, Van Dijk headed in from a corner kick for Liverpool’s first of two equalisers.
Bukayo Saka opened the score in the ninth minute. Mikel Merino and Mohamed Salah scored later in the encounter. However, Van Dijk was penalized for an off-the-ball foul on Kai Havertz, leading to all of his goals.
In the sixth minute, with the game locked at 0-0, Van Dijk grabbed the ball from Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and passed it to Andy Robertson.
Havertz had closed down Van Dijk, but he did not attempt a tackle. After the ball had passed, Van Dijk shoved Havertz away with his right hand. The former Southampton defender looked to purposefully put his left leg into the Arsenal striker.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk (right) seemed to lash out at Arsenal’s Kai Havertz on Sunday
The incident happened just after Van Dijk had played a pass to Andy Robertson (bottom right)
Havertz tumbled to the ground and Arsenal were swiftly awarded a free-kick by the referee
But Van Dijk was not issued a card, despite many fans believing he should have seen red.
Referee Anthony Taylor gave a free kick but did not show Van Dijk a card.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville reacted to Van Dijk’s foul, saying, “He was stupid, Van Dijk.” He basically got into a little scuffle and backed in on him.
While seeing a replay, Neville said, “A little elbow and then that.” Oh, he also kicks at him. Silly. He doesn’t really have to do it.
Multiple Gunners supporters were outraged by Taylor’s alleged leniency.
On X (previously Twitter), one user fumed, ‘How the F*** has Van Dijk gotten away with that???? Not even a yellow card for striking and kicking someone away from the ball?
Another tweet read: ‘If an Arsenal player did what Van Dijk did to Kai Havertz, VAR would have contacted the referee and handed a straight red card.’
A other Gunners fan complained in a similar message: ‘And this was a red card offense from Van Dijk, but he wasn’t wearing an Arsenal uniform.
Arsenal fans’ rage grew even more intense when Van Dijk scored.
Dutchman Van Dijk scored a goal for Liverpool less than 15 minutes after his foul on Havertz
Havertz pictured (left) complaining to referee Anthony Taylor after the final whistle on Sunday
‘So Van Dijk equalises not long after he should have been sent off,’ grumbled one fan.
Another added: ‘Ah. Van Dijk who should’ve been sent off scores. Of course.’
Fourteen players have been sent off in the Premier League so far this season, including three Arsenal stars – Declan Rice, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba.
Sunday’s result left Liverpool second in the table, one point below leaders Manchester City.
Arsenal are third, sitting four points behind Liverpool.