Tempers flare between Liverpool and Everton players
Virgil van Dijk and Jordan Pickford have a frosty history
Virgil van Dijk didn't take kindly to Jordan Pickford's apology for injuring him as the Liverpool skipper reportedly blanked him.
Today (Saturday) marks the Reds' last trip to Goodison Park before Everton move into their new stadium next season, and the Liverpool captain will once again return to the ground where he suffered an ACL injury in 2020. The 33-year-old was forced off after the Everton goalkeeper collided with the Dutchman's knee during the Merseyside Derby.
The injury caused the defender to miss the rest of the 2020/21 season as well as the opportunity to captain the Netherlands in what would have been his first major international tournament at Euro 2020.
Writhing in pain before Liverpool's medical team made their way onto the field, Van Dijk reportedly dismissed Pickford's attempts to help him back onto his feet with a gesture.
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According to the Liverpool Echo, the Dutchman answered "no" to Pickford's effort before his former Reds team-mate Sadio Mane told the England number one to "go away".
Controversy was further sparked, given Pickford was not penalised for the tackle by referee Michael Oliver due to the goalkeeper being in an offside position at the time of his collision with Van Dijk.
The keeper's escape of any punishment left Jurgen Klopp utterly baffled. After the 2-2 draw, he said: "It's not good. Virgil plays with pain but he couldn't play on. Not good." On Pickford's challenge, he added: "Pickford kicks him completely.
Jordan Pickford fouling Virgil van Dijk
Pickford's challenge on Van Dijk ruled the Liverpool captain out of action for nine months
"I need to watch it back. I've seen the disallowed goal at the end and in the picture I saw it wasn't offside. Can someone explain that to me?"
Following Van Dijk's return the next season, he refused to discuss the horror challenge, admitting that he remains fearless when having to go in for 50/50 duels. "My injury was caused by a kick," he said.
"It wasn’t a moment when nobody was around. Actually, that made it a bit easier mentally to go all the way. Sometimes it is at the back of your mind, but it is not something that really concerns me. It’s certainly not like I’m afraid to go into a duel."
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