VAR did check Jordan Pickford's horror challenge on Virgil van Dijk during Everton vs Liverpool - but they didn't deem it serious enough for a red card.
Pickford clattered into van Dijk at Goodison Park and the Dutchman was forced off with an injury.
Initial reports said the England international escaped punishment because van Dijk was offside in the buildup, meaning he couldn't be punished for foul play.
But The Athletic have reached out to Stockley Park officials who confirm David Coote did check the incident, before deciding to not get involved.
The VAR did review Jordan Pickford's tackle on Virgil Van Dijk but decided it was not a red card, The Athletic has been told. #EVELIVhttps://t.co/GCCtYY5KHT
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) October 17, 2020
Rumours have emerged this evening that van Dijk could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines following the challenge.
BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys claims the former Southampton man has suffered a ruptured ACL and could be out for seven to eight months.
Still no official word on Van Dijk's injury but early reports aren't looking good.#beINPL #PL #EVELIV 📺 HD11 pic.twitter.com/6G2FN6KyBF
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) October 17, 2020
At this point there's no official word from Liverpool on van Dijk's injury but manager Jurgen Klopp did note "it does not look good" when asked about his condition post-match.
"It was a clear penalty I saw and then we saw the flag went up. I thought they would still look at the foul but that didn't happen," Klopp said per BBC.
"I don't want to say Jordan Pickford wanted to do it but it is not a challenge how a goalie can do in the box.
"Virgil played I don't know how many games in a row, he plays with pain, but he couldn't play on and that's not good."
The Reds are also waiting for official word on Thiago after the Spaniard was crunched by Richarlison.
Both players went for a loose ball and Richarlison planted his boot straight into the Spaniard's shin.
Referee Michael Oliver stepped in to send the Brazilian off while the duo rolled around on the floor in agony.
"It's not only a red card for Richarlison but a massive foul on Thiago," Klopp continued.
"It doesn't look good and we don't know what he has."
source https://www.sportbible.com/football/football-news-reactions-var-did-review-jordan-pickfords-tackle-on-virgil-van-dijk-20201017
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