Credit: Imago
Credit: Imago
Match

Ex-referee blasts Virgil van Dijk incident vs Sunderland, calls Liverpool star 'serial offender'

Declan Carr
Declan Carr

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior sports journalist with experience at Sports Mole and VAVEL; Masters graduate from Liverpool John Moores University. FOCUS Breaking news, long-form analysis, and club-level insight across the Breaking Media network. THE INSIGHT Declan utilises a network of club and industry contacts to deliver verified, high-speed reporting. He provides the depth behind the headlines — from breaking news to analytical deep-dives — to ensure fans get the full story as it happens.

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Virgil van Dijk has been criticised for a late challenge on Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey.

Sunderland travelled to Anfield on 3 December looking to inflict more misery on Arne Slot's side and maintain their own impressive form.

The Black Cats started on the front foot, and the Dutchman caught his compatriot in the third minute of the conflict, however, referee Stuart Attwell did not award a free-kick.

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett was not impressed by the decision and believes that the 33-year-old should have been booked.

Brian Brobbey at Sunderland
Brobbey was fouled by Van Dijk. (Credit: Imago)

What did Keith Hackett say about Virgil van Dijk incident vs Sunderland

Hackett was not impressed by the challenge from the Reds skipper that left Brobbey in a heap on the ground.

Speaking exclusively to Mackem News, he said: "The challenge by Van Dijk is reckless and should have received the sanction of a yellow card.

Sunderland were in action at Anfield.
Liverpool often get favourable decisions at Anfield. (Credit: Imago)

"VVD is a serial offender, and it is difficult to understand why referees fail to detect this type of offence and sanction."

How Sunderland can beat Liverpool with second-half magic

The Mackems have been the better side on Merseyside, but they need to turn their solid performance into goals.

  • Sunderland have 38 per cent possession so far
  • Le Bris' side have had five shots with three on target, compared to the hosts' eight efforts and three on target
  • Both sides have had two corners

Trai Hume came closest with a strike that Alisson was forced to tip onto the crossbar, but they are yet to break the deadlock.

The visitors are in a position where they could record a famous victory and continue their brilliant start to the campaign.

They need to ensure that is the case and not allow the Reds to come into the contest in the second half, and keep playing with the confidence that they have right now.

Regis Le Bris has shown that he is not afraid to make changes, and he may need to do so again in L4, if his side are to come away with three points.

The opportunity is there, given how weak Slot's side are at the moment, the newly-promoted side needs to take it.

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Keith Hackett
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