Virgil van Dijk was sent off at St James’ Park(Credits: EPA)
Manchester United legend Gary Neville tore into Virgil van Dijk for the ‘rash’ defending that saw him sent off against Newcastle United.
The Dutchman was given his marching orders after bringing down Alexander Isak just outside Liverpool’s penalty area.
The Swede let the ball roll along his body but he was fouled when Van Dijk kicked through his leg and sent the forward tumbling.
Van Dijk was in disbelief when a red card was branded but the decision was verified after a VAR review.
Jurgen Klopp was similarly furious on the sidelines but speaking over a highlight of the incident, Neville agreed with the ref’s decision and branded Van Dijk ‘rash’.
Van DIjk was furious (Picture: Getty)
Jurgen Klopp is perplexed but I thought he [Van Dijk] just kicked through the centre forward,’ Neville said on Sky Sports.
‘Van Dijk’s questioning the decision but this is going to get very messy, very quickly for Liverpool if they go down to ten men. It wasn’t Van Dijk’s ball to win from the angle he was challenging from.
‘He had to try and follow Isak’s run but he decided to try to win it. I think he just kicks through Isak to get the ball. Oh he does. He kicks his left leg, it’s so rash from Van Dijk. He’s got the pace, he’s the right side, he doesn’t need to commit there.
‘Now he’s starting to abuse the official. He’s not going to overturn it. We’ve all been there, you’ve just got to get off the pitch and take your medicine. It’s a VVD that wouldn’t have tried to win that a few years ago. He would have allowed Van Dijk to take a touch and take it off him in the channel. It’s just rash from Van Dijk.
‘I mean look at that, he doesn’t just tap him – he wellies through him! Isak’s gone past him because Van Dijk is committing [to the tackle].’
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He was furious.