Last night, audio from the decision-making process behind Virgil van Dijk’s red card during Liverpool’s win over Newcastle United was made public. The Reds captain was controversially sent off during the first half of Jurgen Klopp’s side’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park after fouling Aleksander Isak on the edge of the penalty area.
Van Dijk was left bewildered by referee John Brooks’ decision to send him off, even though the event was reviewed and approved by VAR official Stuart Attwell.
The Liverpool defender served a one-match suspension for his challenge, missing the team’s 3-0 victory over Aston Villa. However, his suspension could potentially be extended to two games following an FA breach charge.
Insight into how the match officials reached the decision to dismiss Van Dijk was presented on Sky Sports’ “Match Officials: Mic’d Up” program, hosted by Michael Owen and featuring Howard Webb. The show addressed six contentious calls from the current season.
“OK, can you shift it?” VAR says. Please provide another perspective on the point of interaction. Okay, this is a definite foul. I’m Stuart, and I’m fine with the foul. I’m just going to double-check the punishment and the APP. Okay, so I’m content with that….freeze it there, freeze it there. So the ball is going to roll over his face. The attacker has position without the moving challenge. That’s OK, he’s moving immediately into the penalty area.”
After VAR confirms that they are satisfied to stand by the on-field decision, Brooks says goodbye to the Dutch international: “Free-kick.” Go, go! Go now. Yes, there is no offside.”
“He’s close to the goal, he’ll be able to control the ball easily, and there are no covering defenders.” And, of course, we know the direction is in the right way. It’s called a DOGSO.
“Van Dijk is not protected by the fact that if this had happened in the penalty area, he would have received a yellow card for attempting to play the ball or challenging for the ball.” Because it is outside the penalty area, DOGSO must receive a red card.
