Tottenham midfielder Xavi Simons was sent off for a dangerous challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after VAR intervened to upgrade an initial yellow card. Referee John Brooks reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and issued a straight red card for serious foul play just after the half-hour mark, reducing Spurs to ten men in north London.
The 22-year-old's studs caught Van Dijk high on the calf in a tackle that drew immediate criticism from Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision via social media: «After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.»
Brooks explained his final verdict to both teams: «After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.»
Scathing criticism from Neville
Neville delivered a harsh assessment during Sky Sports' live coverage. «That wasn't clever. He was never going to get there. He rakes his studs right down Van Dijk. It's a poor, poor challenge,» he said.
The former Manchester United defender intensified his criticism: «He is absolutely nowhere near the football. Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity.» Neville highlighted Van Dijk's physical stature to emphasize the potential consequences: «Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it is the other way around, it's a leg breaker.»
Struggling season continues
The red card compounds a difficult campaign for Simons, who joined Tottenham from RB Leipzig for £52m in the summer. The Dutch international has managed just one goal and two assists in the Premier League this season. Tottenham players notably did not protest the referee's decision, with Van Dijk left sporting a sizeable hole in his sock after the challenge.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
