Fans think they've worked out what Virgil van Dijk said to referee in angry outburst

Virgil van Dijk's controversial comment to the referee during Liverpool's draw against Arsenal was caught on camera and fans think they know what he said.

Gabriel Magalhaes put the Gunners in the lead early on at Anfield but Mo Salah's fine finish ensured the spoils were shared in the top of the table clash.

Liverpool had a penalty shout turned down for what looked like a clear handball from Martin Odegaard.

Van Dijk was unhappy with a number of different calls during the clash and one in particular irked him the most.

A video on social media from the game went viral, with lip-reading fans believing he asked Chris Kavanagh if he had been drinking.

The Liverpool skipper also appeared to do a drinking motion along with the Sunday League-like shout but did not receive a yellow card.

Van Dijk has just asked the referee if he’s been drinking? 🍺🍺

😂😂😂😂

pic.twitter.com/gJ2k421sqv

— Football Tipster (@Footy_Tipster) December 23, 2023

Predictably, the comment garnered plenty of reaction from fans on social media.

One said: "Van Dijk asking the referee if he’s been drinking has killed me."

Van Dijk asking the referee if he’s been drinking is all of us.

A second said: "The match officials were pathetic".

A third added: "Captain Van dijk asked the ref if he’s been drinking and got no booking, imagine if Bruno did this…"

A fourth weighed in: "Has Van Dijk just asked if the refs been drinking?"

A fifth fumed: "Pretty sure Van Dijk just asked the ref if he's been drinking? And the ref just let it go?"

Earlier this season, Van Dijk received an extra-game ban following a red card against Newcastle because of his reaction to the dismissal.

The former Southampton man completely lost his head when Craig Pawson sent him off, calling the decision a “f***ing joke" and refusing to leave the pitch.

He was suspended for two games and also slapped with a £100,000 fine.