Sky Sports forced to issue immediate apology after Virgil van Dijk's X-rated remark is picked up by microphones

Sky Sports were forced into an immediate apology seconds into the Carabao Cup final following an X-rated remark from Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Holders Liverpool are taking on Newcastle in the showpiece at Wembley and following the pre-match handshakes and national anthems, Van Dijk gathered his teammates into a huddle prior to the kick-off.

Cameras closed in on the Dutchman and his teammates and the microphones picked up his rallying cry, as he appeared to tell them, “We worked so hard to be here. Let's f***ing do this together. Come on!”

Viewers picked up on the swearing and just seconds into the final, Peter Drury had to begin his Sky Sports commentary with an apology for colourful language.

Van Dijk was the matchwinner in last season's final, scoring the only goal of the game late in extra time against Chelsea.

Needless to say, the passionate speech from Van Dijk garnered plenty of reaction on social media.

Virgil van Dijk swore in Liverpool's pre-match huddle. Image: Getty

One fan on X said: "Sky/ITV decided to do a close up of the Liverpool team huddle and the following was clearly audible: Virgil van Dijk: 'We worked so hard to be here. Let’s f***ing do this'. They immediately put up a 'We apologise for the bad language sign'."

A second added: "They’ve moved the camera too close to Liverpool’s team huddle, now kids all around the world get to hear Van Dijk shouting “Let’s f***ing do it together!”

The commentator is apologising. How about you stay away next time. Not everything is for TV."

A third weighed in: "Sky apologising for Van Dijk swearing when the cameraman is in the middle of the team huddle seconds before a cup final is up there with the most ridiculous things I’ve seen for a while."

Another commented: "Sky apologising for Van Dijk swearing in the huddle. The game has gone."

A final user posted: "Sky Sports regretting filming the team huddle there after Van Dijk just swore."

Liverpool have won the League Cup on a record 10 occasions, with Newcastle lifting the trophy four times in their history. Their last major bit of silverware came in 1955 when they won the FA Cup.