Mark Bosnich thinks players who cause serious injury should be banned while the injured player cannot play - amid the Virgil van Dijk/Jordan Pickford debate.
Everton goalkeeper Pickford clattered into Liverpool defender van Dijk on Saturday, with the Dutchman suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury as a result.
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He faces a long injury layoff and could miss the rest of the season, something former Manchester United keeper Bosnich thinks Pickford should face punishment for.
When discussing the challenge on van Dijk, Bosnich told Sky Sports per The Mirror: "One thing that has never really come into serious consideration is that when there are challenges that are made, at the reckless level, which would be endangering an opponent's safety.
"I really do think that if that's the case, the powers that be have got to look at, maybe as a deterrent, how long the player you tackle is out, whether you meant it or not, is how long will be suspended.
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"Because like I said, these types of tackles and the one later on from Richarlison, even though I thought Richarlison's was worse than Pickford's.
"Regardless of whether they mean it or not, it's putting the other players at risk and in danger.
"And I think the only way, like I said, long-term to deter players from actually putting themselves in the position where they're going to risk an opponent is to actually consider the rule."
Pickford won't face retrospective action for the tackle and Liverpool have asked for a review of VAR's use in the 2-2 draw.
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Van Dijk released a statement on Sunday confirming the severity of his injury, but the Dutchman stressed he will be back as soon as possible.
The 29-year-old begun: "This afternoon I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday.
"I'm now fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.
"Despite the obvious disappointment, I'm a firm believer that within difficultly lies opportunity and with God's help I'm going to make sure I can return better, fitter and stronger than ever before.
"In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and it's important to try and keep level headed whether going through the highs or the lows.
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"With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool, I'm ready for the challenge ahead.
"I'd like to thank everyone for the messages of support, it's meant a huge amount to me and my family, and I'll now be doing everything possible to support my teammates in any way I can ahead of a big few weeks ahead as I take my own recovery day by day. I'll be back."
Featured Image Credit: PA ImagesTopics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Premier League, Jordan Pickford, Everton, Virgil Van Dijk
