Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was fouled by countryman Xavi Simons and the Tottenham star was sent off for his challenge in defeat to the Premier League champions
Virgil van Dijk does not believe Tottenham star Xavi Simons set out to hurt him, but would not reveal the contents of his conversation with his international team-mate. The Dutch midfielder was sent off after catching the Liverpool ace on his Achilles.
VAR intervened after Simons was initially awarded a yellow card with the score still goalless. The Reds claimed a 2-1 victory in north London as Cristian Romero also got handed his marching orders as Thomas Frank's side chased the game.
Referee John Brooks was advised by Stockley Park officials to reassess the incident and upgraded the punishment to a straight red card as a result. A statement from the Premier League Match Centre said: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.
"Referee announcement: 'After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card'."
Liverpool veteran Van Dijk admitted he was hurt by the challenge. The defender sounded confident that there was no malice in the foul.
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"I don't think there was any intention to hurt me but obviously he hurt me and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off," Van Dijk added. "Yeah I spoke to him [after the game]. It's a chat that no-one needs to know."
Simons said the challenge was simply a mistake and apologised to his countryman and Spurs' fans.
"Mistakes happen," he said on social media. "Virg is my captain. I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone. To my Spurs teammates, my manager and the fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."
Spurs boss Frank, was incredulous that his player had been so harshly judged over an accident. "I've seen them given but I don't like this as a red card," he said.
"It's not reckless and it's not exceptional force. He's chasing Van Dijk and changes direction and unfortunately his foot is on his Achilles.
"We're not allowed to have physical contact anymore and he gets three games. That is absolutely wrong and we probably can't appeal that."