Virgil van Dijk received his first red card for the Netherlands during their 1-1 Nations League draw with Hungary – who also had a familiar face in their ranks.
Virgil van Dijk’s first red card for the Netherlands might just offer up the perfect outcome for Liverpool before their testing run of Premier League fixtures after October’s international break. The Liverpool captain was sent-off during the 1-1 Nations League draw with Hungary on Friday night.
He received two yellow cards in three minutes in the second half. The first was for protesting – as Donyell Malen surged towards goal – while the second was a straightforward booking for a foul.
“[The red card] is a bummer and should not have happened. But I’m especially angry about the first,” Van Dijk told ESPN Netherlands after the game.
“They say the captain is the only one who can talk to the referee. I walk up to him…
“Up tempo, but not in a nasty way, not at all. Very respectful, because I felt it was a breakaway player, he did not go for the ball at all. If even the captain cannot say anything, then it can get difficult.”
Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman – once of Everton – was also perplexed by the centre-back’s first caution. “That moment was frustrating,” Koeman told the NOS. “I don’t understand it.
“I think we agreed that a captain can protest to a referee. That foul [on Malen] was good for a red card.
“There was no intention at all to play the ball. That Virgil then takes that second card is not convenient, he knows that himself.”
Van Dijk’s dismissal will ensure he will be fully fit for Chelsea’s visit to Anfield on Sunday, October 20. Liverpool are currently the Premier League table-toppers – one point clear of Manchester City and Arsenal.
