'Dangerous' - Ex-refs chief hits out after Liverpool star Cody Gakpo's injury blow

Liverpool star Cody Gakpo was on the end of a "dangerous" challenge on international duty, but not one deserving of a red card.

That is according to former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA referee, Keith Hackett, who exclusively told Football Insider that not every challenge that causes an injury is a sending-off.

The in-form 27-year-old, boasting two goals and four assists for Liverpool this season, was forced off just 17 minutes into the Netherlands' 2-1 win over Serbia on Sunday, 27 September.

Ipswich Town's Sasa Lukic picked up a yellow card in the process, having scythed down his opponent in the middle of the park in the 12th minute.

Understandably, fans back at Anfield are furious, with Gakpo having to undergo scans on his ankle following the game-ending challenge.

The winger will not be Andoni Iraola's only concern, with Alexander Isak being forced off in Sweden's win over Romania and being seen limping afterwards.

Cody Gakpo's injury is 'the nature of football'

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hackett explained why Lukic avoided a red card for his challenge, but did admit that it was dangerous.

"Because he's grounded and the boot is not in the air, I think the referee has judged this one accurately," he said.

"It's a reckless challenge and a yellow-card outcome, not a red for serious foul play. Those types of challenges are pretty dangerous in that sense.

"It doesn't matter which direction they come from. But I think on this occasion, a yellow for reckless is the outcome. This is the nature of football: players getting injured."

There are still 12 days remaining until the Premier League resumes, and the Reds will be hoping for no more bad news on the injury front.

What has been said about Gakpo's injury?

With two goals and four assists in his first six games, Iraola cannot afford to lose the Dutchman to injury, especially this early in the season.

While some players are being sent home from international duty, especially from the England camp, fans are waiting on the Netherlands manager for an update.

Speaking on the situation, Xaxi said: "It's his ankle, that's all I know. Tomorrow we will know, but hopefully it's not too important."

Iraola's side are currently sitting sixth in the Premier League table, and without Gakpo, his team will be lacking some serious power in the final third.