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Video Referee 'Didn't Know' He Could Send Jordan Pickford Off For Horrific Virgil Van Dijk Challenge

Video Referee 'Didn't Know' He Could Send Jordan Pickford Off For Horrific Virgil Van Dijk Challenge

Liverpool are said to be furious and have asked PGMOL to investigate.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

The VAR official for Saturday's Merseyside derby did not check Jordan Pickford's tackle on Virgil van Dijk - because 'he forgot' he could review the challenge despite an offside.

Everton goalkeeper Pickford went through van Dijk in the 11th minute and forced the Liverpool man off with what turned out to be an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

Liverpool are furious with the Premier League and have demanded VAR's use in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park to be investigated.

Sportsmail allege that David Coote, who was manning VAR, believed Pickford couldn't have been sent off because van Dijk was offside prior to the challenge.

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PA

Insiders have stressed that Coote was 'distracted' by checking the Dutchman was offside rather than checking the foul.

The Premier League champions are demanding an explanation from PGMOL regarding the incident.

While Pickford has been vilified following the incident with some pundits even declaring he needs a long ban, Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher was quick to defend the 26-year-old.

"Of course, it should have been a red card for Jordan Pickford, it was a terrible tackle," he begun.

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PA


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PA

"There will be a lot of frustration in the Liverpool camp, Liverpool supporters, maybe from neutrals wanting Jordan Pickford banned. I am going to defend Jordan Pickford on that.

"Yeah, it was a terrible tackle. I've had my leg broken, I nearly broke Nani's leg. These things happen, unfortunately in football, I don't think anyone goes out deliberately to hurt someone.

"I believe 99 per cent of professional footballers will not go and hurt someone.

"Jordan Pickford is all over the place with his game at the moment, he comes out, makes a crazy decision as he has been doing over the last 12 months, and very, very unfortunately one of the top players in the Premier League is in a bad way.

"I really hope and I really believe Jordan Pickford will not be in a good place tonight."

Van Dijk has released a statement confirming the severity of his injury, while manager Jurgen Klopp says the club will wait for him "like a good wife is waiting when the husband is in jail."

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

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