Van Dijk’s ‘Basketball’ Move Sparks Controversial Penalty for Liverpool in Champions League Clash
Virgil Van Dijk’s handling error resulted in a controversial penalty for Liverpool during their Champions League clash against PSV Eindhoven. In a crucial match, PSV sought a much-needed win, having lost eight of their last eleven matches. With just five minutes into the game, Van Dijk controversially handled the ball inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty to PSV.
Match Details
The incident occurred as a set piece was delivered into the area. Van Dijk raised his arm, making contact with the ball, which led to a penalty decision. Former Tottenham player Ivan Perisic converted the penalty, giving PSV an early lead.
Fan Reactions
Fans were quick to comment on Van Dijk’s mistake, expressing their frustration through social media. Some noted his unusual action, comparing it to playing basketball. Comments included:
- “Wrong sport, man. I think he remembered the period he played volleyball.”
- “Van Dijk thought he was playing basketball.”
- “That’s a dunk, not a penalty.”
Van Dijk’s Penalty Record
This penalty marked the third time Van Dijk conceded a penalty this season. Earlier incidents included:
- A penalty against Crystal Palace during the Community Shield for a foul on Ismaila Sarr in August.
- A foul that led to another penalty awarded to Brentford last month.
Liverpool’s Response
Despite the setback, Liverpool quickly responded. Dominik Szoboszlai equalized in the 15th minute, scoring after Cody Gakpo’s shot was saved by Matej Kovar, the former Manchester United goalkeeper. This indicated Liverpool’s resilience in overcoming early challenges.
In summary, Van Dijk’s misstep not only stirred debate but also highlighted his recent struggles this season, while Liverpool’s ability to rebound showcased their competitive spirit in the Champions League.
