Virgil van Dijk Questions Referee’s Sobriety After Foul on Gabriel Jesus
In a thrilling Premier League match, Virgil van Dijk, the Liverpool captain, was deemed to have committed a foul on Arsenal striker Gabriel Jesus at Anfield in the second half.
1
However, Van Dijk expressed his displeasure with the decision, and TV cameras captured his reaction. It seemed as though the defender questioned referee Chris Kavanagh if he had been drinking, even mimicking a drinking motion with his hands.
Fans were astonished by what they witnessed, with one person taking to social media to exclaim, “Swear van Dijk just asked the ref if he’s been drinking.” Another wrote, “Van Dijk’s just asked the ref what he’s drinking and not been booked for it btw.” A third fan commented, “Van Dijk gets away with anything, man. Running his mouth like that, Arsenal players would get booked immediately.”
Despite the gesture, Van Dijk managed to avoid a booking, despite the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) chief Howard Webb urging referees to clamp down on dissent.
In a previous match, Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot was sent off after receiving two quick yellow cards for expressing his frustration towards referee Michael Oliver in a goalless draw against Liverpool. On that occasion, Darwin Nunez sarcastically applauded the referee officials after receiving a booking but escaped further punishment.
Liverpool’s Comeback and Arsenal’s Top Position
Liverpool fell behind to Arsenal in the fourth minute when Gabriel Magalhaes scored a header from a Martin Odegaard free-kick. However, Mohamed Salah equalized just before the half-hour mark with an incredible pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Egyptian forward left Oleksandr Zinchenko in his wake before firing high into David Raya’s net. Moments earlier, Odegaard may have been fortunate not to concede a penalty after handling the ball in the box.
In the end, both teams had to settle for a point, allowing Arsenal to be at the top of the Premier League table at Christmas, just like last season.