The Dutch midfielder was given his marching orders at Anfield in the final match of the Premier League season for the champions
Referee Darren England gives a red card to Liverpool's Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberchopen image in gallery
Referee Darren England gives a red card to Liverpool's Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (AFP via Getty Images)
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Ryan Gravenberch will miss the first game of the 2025-26 Premier League season after picking up a red card in his final outing of this campaign.
The Netherlands international has enjoyed a brilliant season with Liverpool, becoming a fixture of the first XI under Arne Slot, but the title-winning side’s celebrations were dampened on Sunday as they were reduced to 10 men with over 20 minutes to play.
Liverpool were already down 1-0 after Ismaila Sarr scored for the visitors in the ninth minute at Anfield, momentarily quieting the party atmosphere.
Gravenberch picked up a yellow for simulation earlier in the second half and was sent off on 68 minutes for a high challenge on Daichi Kamada as the Japan international rushed forward on goal.
He was deemed the last man and referee Darren England was quick to penalise the Dutchman, brandishing a straight red, meaning he will miss the first fixture of next season.
Liverpool recovered after Gravenberch’s early exit as Mohamed Salah scored an equaliser for the 10-man Reds in the 85th minute, equalling the Premier League goal involvement record for a season with 29 goals and 18 assists, as Slot’s men finished the season on 84 points after drawing 1-1 at Anfield.
The Reds will face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on 9 August, which serves as the curtain raiser for the 2025/26 season.
And while Gravenberch will be available for the Reds at Wembley, he is now set to serve a suspension to begin the Premier League campaign, which begins on 16 August**.**
Referee Darren England gives a red card to Liverpool's Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberchopen image in gallery
Referee Darren England gives a red card to Liverpool's Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch (Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
The Premier League 2025/26 fixtures are released on 18 June.