Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has suggested that Virgil van Dijk was harshly sent off against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Dutch centre-back was shown a red card by referee John Brooks in the first half after taking down Alexander Isak as the striker was about to run through on goal.
The Reds were fortunate not to see Trent Alexander-Arnold sent off earlier in the game following a cynical challenge on Anthony Gordon. The right-back was already on a booking for throwing the ball away not long before the incident, but Brooks decided against showing a second yellow.
Klopp felt the initial booking was incorrectly awarded, arguing that a free-kick should have been given to Liverpool after Gordon shoved Alexander-Arnold over the sideline.
“First and foremost, I think when Trent gets a yellow card, it’s a clear foul on him. The fourth official said so,” the German told Sky Sports.
“There is no active contact from Virgil van Dijk. It is just going for the ball and on the way there, he made contact.
“For this contact, getting three games, oh my God, unbelievable. We will see. For today, it gave us the chance to create something really special. The boys put up a proper fight.”
Contrary to Klopp’s comments, Van Dijk will only serve a one-match for the denial of a goalscoring opportunity. However, he could face a lengthier ban for his confrontations with the referee and the fourth official after he was sent off.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe disagreed with his Liverpool counterpart, telling Sky Sports that Alexander-Arnold should have been given his marching orders as well. “You don’t want to see players get sent off but I thought the ref got that one wrong,” he said after the final whistle.
The result means Liverpool maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with two wins and one draw. Newcastle, meanwhile, have just one win after three games and sit 13th in the table on three points.
Read – Carragher slams major Liverpool decisions as Van Dijk sees red
