Virgil van Dijk gave away a penalty in the first half of Liverpool against Crystal Palace in the Community Shield 2025 – here is what Mark Clattenburg thought of the decision.
Liverpool were in dreamland after just four minutes at Wembley, when new signings Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike combined, and the Frenchman finished beautifully to put the Reds 1-0 up.
A lead that only lasted 12 minutes. That was Ismaila Sarr danced into the Liverpool box, and Virgil van Dijk stuck out a leg to bring the Senegalese winger down.
Crystal Palace v Liverpool - 2025 FA Community Shield
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
But was it a penalty? Mark Clattenburg gives his verdict.
Exclusive: Mark Clattenburg on Virgil van Dijk penalty decision
Speaking exclusively to TBR Football, former Premier League referee Clattenburg gave his verdict on the decision and deemed Chris Kavanagh to be completely correct with his call.
Clattenburg says: “Crystal Palace were awarded a penalty for a foul by Van Dijk on Sarr. The referee Chris Kavanagh is well positioned to see Van Dijk’s foot catching his opponent’s foot without any contact on the ball and creating a trip and therefore a clear penalty kick.”
There was also some doubt as to whether there was an offside in the build-up, but this was quickly put to bed.
There you have it – Van Dijk was very clumsy – and the on-field decision was a correct one, despite some disagreement on social media.
Watch Jean-Phillipe Mateta score for Crystal Palace
So far, his blushes have been spared, as after Jean Phillipe-Mateta converted, Jeremie Frimpong put the Reds back in front.
Van Dijk is usually the coolest man on the pitch, but not in this moment of uncharacteristic behaviour.
The penalty was then dispatched by Mateta, who ran to the corner flag and did his trademark celebration.
How will the second half play out? Let’s see. But be sure to check back to TBR Footballat full-time***,*** where we’ll have post-match analysis. opinions and more.