Micky van de Ven avoided punishment after injuring Alexander Isak during Liverpool's opening goal against Tottenham on Saturday, leaving fans furious as the forward was helped off
19:05, 20 Dec 2025Updated 19:35, 20 Dec 2025
Fans believe that Micky van de Ven should have been sent off for his challenge on Alexander Isak
Fans believe that Micky van de Ven should have been sent off for his challenge on Alexander Isak(Image: 2025 Marc Atkins)
Alexander Isak opened the scoring for Liverpool against Tottenham on Saturday, but it came at a cost, as he suffered a worrying knee injury in the process.
Isak put Liverpool ahead from close range after 56 minutes, but Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven lunged in as he attempted to block his effort. Isak's leg buckled as Van de Ven made contact, and the Liverpool striker remained on the ground after the goal went in.
Tottenham had already been reduced to 10 men after Xavi Simons was shown a straight red card for his challenge on Virgil van Dijk. However, Liverpool fans were convinced that Van de Ven should have received the same punishment, and there are concerns that Isak may have suffered an ACL injury.
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Isak had to be helped off after scoring, and it took him several minutes to make his way around the pitch before heading down the tunnel. The injury looked troublesome, and there are fears that Liverpool's record signing could miss an extended period.
If Isak hadn't scored, a penalty would likely have been awarded. However, Van de Ven escaped punishment due to the goal being scored, and Liverpool fans were furious.
"Should be a red for Van de Ven, nowhere near blocking the ball, he’s gone through Isak that looks awful," one fan wrote on X. "Anybody going to even suggest that’s a red for van de Ven?!" Another asked.
Isak had to be helped off after suffering a knee injury
Isak had to be helped off after suffering a knee injury(Image: 2025 Marc Atkins)
"That should be a red on Van de Ven. Scissor tackles need to get taken out of the game," a third suggested. "That's ridiculous! Van De Ven is completely out of control making that sliding challenge, yes, he has to make it, but he's completely out of control, for me, that's another red card.
"Pretty much ruined the rest of Isak's season by the looks of it," one fan fumed.
"How's Van de Ven just allowed to take out Isak and injure him just because we scored? Ridiculous rule that needs changing," another wrote. However, there is no rule against sending players off, even after a goal is scored.
Isak of Liverpool is seen on the floor after a foul from Van de Ven
Isak of Liverpool is seen on the floor after a foul from Van de Ven(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
According to the official FA rulebook, if the defender's challenge was a serious foul (using excessive force or endangering an opponent's safety), the referee must still issue a red card at the next stoppage in play, even if a goal was scored.
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Referee John Brooks could have awarded the goal and still sent Van de Ven off. However, he ended up showing another red card to Van de Ven's defensive partner, Cristian Romero.
Romero had already received a yellow card, but was given a second booking in added time. Romero was seen arguing with the referee before the card was brandished, but also appeared to kick out at Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate.
A chaotic game in North London ended 2-1 to Liverpool, as Hugo Ektike's goal was the difference. Richarlison scored late for Tottenham, leading to a frantic finish.