Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk
(Credit: Imago / Sky Sports)
Keith Hackett
Tue 18 March 2025 13:45, UK
Keith Hackett is concerned about an “increasing trend” in football after Virgil van Dijk’s attempt to deceive referee John Brooks.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA exclusively told Football Insider that he is concerned acts of simulation are an increasing trend in modern football, after the Liverpool captain went to ground easily in the Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle ended a 70-year wait for a major trophy with their 2-1 win over Liverpool on Sunday (16 March).
A towering header from Dan Burn, and a smart finish from Liverpool target Alexander Isak gave the Magpies a deserved lead.
The Reds got one back in the 94th minute, thanks to Federico Chiesa, but the goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Virgil Van Dijk warming up for Liverpool
Virgil Van Dijk is out of contract this summer Credit: (Imago)
Virgil van Dijk throws himself to ground in desperate bid for penalty
As Liverpool were trailing 2-0 in the 78th minute, Bayern Munich target Van Dijk found himself in the penalty area.
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Harvey Elliott played a pass into the box, picking out Chiesa, before Fabian Schar stepped in to clear the ball.
However, just yards away from the action, Kieran Trippier put his arm across Van Dijk, causing the Dutch international to throw himself to ground.
Despite his protests, Brooks ignored the Liverpool captain, who eventually got to his feet and carried on with the game.
Despite Trippier making contact with Van Dijk, Hackett explained why the Liverpool defender did not deserve a penalty, praising Brooks for not being fooled.
Keith Hackett gives assessment of Virgil van Dijk ‘simulation’
Having been asked about the incident, Hackett told Football Insider exclusively why it was not deserving of a penalty, saying:
“One of the increasing trends in our game that causes a degree of concern, are acts of simulation, attempting to deceive the referee.
Liverpool competitions this season Result
Premier League First – 12 point lead to Arsenal
Champions League First round exit to PSG
FA Cup Fourth round exit to Plymouth Argyle
Carabao Cup Final loss to Newcastle United
“On Sunday in the Carabao Cup final, we saw Virgil van Dijk on the edge of the penalty area, going down rather easily.
“[It was] an act of simulation, attempting to deceive the referee.
“In fairness, John Brooks, who I thought delivered a really good performance in the Carabao Cup final, didn’t bite.”
The defeat was a painful one for Liverpool, who have seen their chances of a treble slip away, having been knocked out of the Champions League by PSG in the same week they lost the Carabao Cup final.
Related Posts