Van Dijk sends message to Liverpool fans after ‘extraordinary’ Everton bust-up
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk took to social media to send a message to the fans after the extraordinary scenes that followed the astonishing 2-2 Premier League draw with Everton on Wednesday (February 12).
The 33-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Liverpool dropped two valuable points in the last Merseyside derby to be played at Goodison Park, which was marked by a post-match bust-up and four sendings-off from players and coaches from both teams.
Beto opened the scoring after just 11 minutes, catching Van Dijk and his fellow Liverpool defender out with a clever free-kick routine from the home side before Alexis Mac Allister restored parity five minutes later.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official Keith Hackett said the freekick shouldn’t have been awarded in the first place.
Talismanic forward Mohamed Salah gave Arne Slot’s side the lead in the 73rd minute and Liverpool looked well on their way to going nine points clear of second-placed Arsenal at the top of the Premier League table.
Liverpool failed to clear their lines after a hopeful ball from Vitalii Mykolenko, allowing James Tarkowski to smash the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Virgil van Dijk looking forward as Liverpool drop points in Merseyside derby
The centre-back has been key for Liverpool this season, starting all 33 of his games across all competitions, popping up with three goals, and providing one assist in his 2967 minutes of action.
A scuffle broke out between the two sets of players after the final whistle when Curtis Jones confronted Abdoulaye Doucoure for celebrating in front of the Liverpool fans.
The two players were subsequently sent off by Micahel Oliver before Van Dijk confronted Doucoure while he was working off the pitch.
Van Dijk took to Instagram after the draw with Everton to send a message to the fans, saying: “On to the next then, we keep going! Together.”
Liverpool are still seven-point clear of second-placed Arsenal in the race for the Premier League title despite dropping points at Goodison Park.
Slot’s side will host Wolves on Sunday (February 16) know a win would help reset their title charge somewhat.
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