Virgil van Dijk appealed to referee Michael Salisbury after Amine Adli's last-minute winner for Bournemouth against Liverpool, but expert Dermot Gallagher has explained the decision to allow the goal was correct
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
17:21, 26 Jan 2026
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has offered his opinion
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has offered his opinion(Image: Sky Sports)
Dermot Gallagher maintains that Michael Salisbury was correct to permit Amine Adli's stoppage-time winner for Bournemouth against Liverpool to stand, despite on-pitch protests from Virgil van Dijk.
The Reds journeyed to the Vitality Stadium with aspirations of claiming maximum points on Saturday. Yet Arne Slot and his side were forced to endure the lengthy journey back to Merseyside without reward, following a 3-2 defeat on the south coast. Evanilson broke the deadlock for the Cherries 26 minutes into the contest, before Alex Jiminez extended the hosts' advantage moments afterwards.
While Van Dijk reduced the arrears on the cusp of half-time with a towering header from Dominik Szoboszlai's precise corner delivery, a challenging task awaited in the second half.
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Szoboszlai restored parity with 10 minutes of regulation time remaining via a cleverly crafted free-kick, before Liverpool pressed forward seeking victory.
Destiny had alternative intentions at the Vitality, though, as Adli netted with the final touch of the match to ensure Liverpool departed empty-handed.
James Hill delivered a lengthy throw-in into the Reds' penalty area during the game's closing moments, with Marcos Senesi scrambling to reach it.
Virgil van Dijk was unimpressed with the decision
Virgil van Dijk was unimpressed with the decision(Image: Getty Images)
The ball subsequently fell to Adli at the near post, as he guided it expertly beyond a helpless Alisson before spinning away in jubilation.
Van Dijk was observed contesting the goal in its wake, however, seen addressing Salisbury with a grave expression etched across his face.
While replays of the incident appeared to demonstrate Van Dijk being jostled by Adli in the process, former referee Gallagher maintains that the only foul he witnessed on the center-back came from Curtis Jones - who was tussling with Adli from behind.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gallagher said: "Van Dijk was fouled by his own player. He is definitely fouled, but by Curtis Jones.
"The referee was correct to allow the goal to stand."
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Jay Bothroyd, meanwhile, added: "Even if Van Dijk was nudged by the Bournemouth player, he has got to be stronger. He is clutching at straws."
It comes as Van Dijk outlined his thinking to the media at full-time, feeling aggrieved by Salisbury's verdict. He said: "What I felt on that pitch was that I was clearly blocked, but obviously the ref and then the VAR don't give it.
"That's something we then have to accept."