Hackett’s Fury as Van Dijk Dodges Red in Anfield VAR Storm
Liverpool against Tottenham was billed as a home banker, but this season has a way of tearing up scripts. The hosts went in front via a first-half dead-ball from Dominik Szoboszlai, only for Richarlison to pinch a late leveller that Igor Tudor’s visitors richly earned. Instead of a routine Anfield procession, we got another weekend defined by VAR chat and a decision that’s left former PGMOL supremo Keith Hackett absolutely seething.
Szoboszlai strikes, Richarlison replies
Credit where it’s due: Szoboszlai’s free-kick had shape and dip, but Guglielmo Vicario will feel he could’ve set stronger hands to it. Liverpool never slammed the door shut, and Spurs – persistent and better after the break – got their reward when Richarlison levelled late on, a goal their endeavour warranted.
Hackett unloads on VAR and Kavanagh
And then to the flashpoint. Virgil van Dijk, tracking Richarlison bursting towards goal, made contact with a tug across the shoulder. For Hackett, that was textbook denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity – penalty and dismissal territory – and he couldn’t believe the technology team didn’t intervene.
Hackett’s view was unequivocal: it was a clear holding offence that impacted the attacker’s chance to score, so it should have been a spot-kick and a red card for DOGSO, with VAR stepping in to correct what the on-field team missed. The 81-year-old even noted that referee Chris Kavanagh’s angle was poor – understandable in real time – but insisted the replays made the offence plain as day. He later doubled down on X, backing the penalty-and-red interpretation.
Van Dijk’s record vs the narrative
Hackett has flagged Van Dijk before, once detailing a string of incidents he felt slipped through the net, including off-the-ball tangles with the likes of Richarlison and Kai Havertz. Yet the Dutchman’s ledger at Liverpool remains remarkably tidy: only two Premier League reds and 27 yellows across 331 outings. It’s a fascinating split-screen – a defender praised for his calm control, and a veteran referee who sees a pattern of leniency.
Slot under scrutiny, Spurs show steel
Arne Slot’s Liverpool looked short of their usual authority, and that will raise eyebrows on Merseyside. Tudor’s Spurs, meanwhile, were organised and purposeful; they didn’t nick a point by accident – they earned it by staying in the contest and asking questions late.
If you love picking apart the fine margins as much as you do picking winners, our best betting sites hub is a handy companion for your weekend research.
One thing’s certain: the VAR debate isn’t going anywhere. Liverpool and Tottenham share the spoils, but the talking point is whether Van Dijk should’ve walked. Expect more heat on refereeing standards after this one – and more pressure on Liverpool to rediscover their edge. Statistics referenced are courtesy of the Premier League and correct as of 16-03-26.
