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Why Jordan Pickford Wasn't Sent Off For Hideous Challenge On Virgil Van Dijk

Why Jordan Pickford Wasn't Sent Off For Hideous Challenge On Virgil Van Dijk

Van Dijk had to go off following the hefty challenge in the 11th minute.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

Jordan Pickford was not sent off for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk during Everton vs Liverpool because the Dutchman being offside cancels out serious foul play.

Pickford charged out of his box and collided with van Dijk in a scissors motion, who went down in pain.

He'd eventually be replaced by Joe Gomez and many questioned why the referee and VAR did not send Pickford off.

Dale Johnson of ESPN has revealed that while the challenge could have been worthy of a red card, van Dijk being offside by his arm in the initial play means foul play cannot be penalised.




Pickford could've received his marching orders if the challenge was deemed as violent conduct, but it was not.

Van Dijk would've been onside based on last years rules, due to the handball law going off the arm rather than the armpit.

Fans have reacted to the decision to not send Pickford off and they are furious.





The first Merseyside derby of the season is currently 1-1 at half-time.

Sadio Mane opened the scoring inside three minutes before Michael Keane headed home an equaliser.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Premier League, Jordan Pickford, Everton, Virgil Van Dijk

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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@DanMarland_