Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk questioned referee Tony Harrington's calm during the Premier League leaders' 2-2 draw at home to Fulham, which included a straight red card for Reds defender Andy Robertson after 17 minutes.
Robertson's brief involvement included a booking, injury treatment, a blasphemy on Andreas Pereira in the 11th minute and a red card for denying Harry Wilson a clear scoring chance after the left-back miscontrolled the ball.
“We kept moving forward, we kept trying.” 💪
Virgil van Dijk talks about Liverpool coming from behind in Twice to draw against Fulham 💭 pic.twitter.com/n1lL8MZltu
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024
“I had conversations with the Fulham players and we felt that the referee was nervous,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports. BBC Sport.
“I felt he couldn't communicate properly with Robertson. We all talk about protecting the referee, but I couldn't speak to him.
“We can't blame the referee. It shouldn't be a big deal because he's not the reason we lost the points.”
“It ended in a draw and I don't think we can blame the referee for that.”
Arne Slott talks about the refereeing decisions in Liverpool's 2-2 draw against Fulham 👇 pic.twitter.com/kCFHAEPwbX
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024
Liverpool vs Fulham
The red card received by Robertson did not appear to be controversial, as striker Wilson made a direct path towards goal behind Liverpool's defence.
The crowd booed during a lengthy VAR check to determine whether Wilson was offside before confirming the penalty.
Cody Jacobo headed the equalizer after a cross from Mohamed Salah two minutes after the end of the first half, but Rodrigo Muniz put the Cottagers back in front 14 minutes from time.
After returning from an 11-match absence due to injury, substitute Jota turned smartly to score a calm goal four minutes before the end, moving the leaders five points clear of second-placed Chelsea.
“If you were to ask me about 50/50 minutes we would be here all afternoon talking, not about the game” 😲
Marco Silva was not happy when asked whether Issa Diop or Andreas Pereira should be given red cards 🟥 pic.twitter.com/702KQNEcIb
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024
Van Dijk: Liverpool could have achieved more
Van Dijk said it would “always be difficult” against an opponent who took the lead after 86 minutes of their 4-3 defeat to Liverpool last season.
The Cottagers extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, after progressing to a 1-1 draw with third-placed Arsenal last Sunday.
“The great return is very positive,” Van Dijk added. “We showed fight and kept trying to create chances. It could have been more but we took the point and moved on.
“Stay calm, it's easier said than done. We saw (Fulham difficult) last year, and last week against Arsenal. We had to turn things around and keep fighting.
“We tried. It is what it is. We will get the point and recover quickly and be ready for the (Carabao Cup) quarter-final (at Southampton at 8pm GMT) on Wednesday.
