(Credit: Imago)

Van Dijk slammed for incident in Liverpool loss v Chelsea as ex-FIFA official speaks out - Exclusive

Refereeing Consultant AUTHORITY Former FIFA Referee; Head of PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited). FOCUS Laws of the Game, VAR implementation, officiating performance, and PGMOL policy. THE AUDIT Keith utilises Statscore’s Officiating Telemetry, including Deep-Data Metrics like Incident Accuracy Rates, VAR Intervention Latency, and Official Positional Efficiency. He provides technical refereeing analysis to reveal the regulatory reality behind match-defining decisions.

Published on:

05 May 2025, 11:30 am

Virgil van Dijk was embroiled in a controversial incident as Liverpool were beaten by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge

With Liverpool having already clinched the Premier League title and Chelsea still pushing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League, the Blues were always going to be more motivated on Sunday (4 May).

Therefore, it wasn't too surprising to see Enzo Maresca's side claim a 3-1 victory over the Reds.

Enzo Fernández opened the scoring after just three minutes before Chelsea doubled their lead thanks to a Jarell Quansah own goal in the 56th minute.

Cole Palmer rounded off the scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time after van Dijk had pulled a goal back, and this wasn't the only notable action involving the Liverpool skipper.

Arne Slot will already be looking ahead to next season (Credit: Imago)

Van Dijk slammed for 'reckless' foul on Roméo Lavia

Liverpool were still in a celebratory mood before and after the clash with Chelsea, as evidenced by Ibrahima Konaté's actions at the full-time whistle.

Therefore, supporters are likely to forgive the lacklustre performances from their players, with Wataru Endō a rare exception.

Premier League 2024/25	Position	Points	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost
Liverpool	1st	82	35	25	7	3

Liverpool won the Premier League with four games left to play

However, despite the meaningless nature of the game from the visitors' point of view, this didn't stop van Dijk from getting himself in a bit of trouble after he was booked by referee Simon Hooper for a foul on Lavia, which left former FIFA official Keith Hackett unimpressed.

Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, Hackett said, "van Dijk is a serial offender and does demonstrate at times a disregard for the safety of his opponent with these challenges.

"It is reckless. A yellow card was appropriate, but avoidable."

van Dijk both scored and was booked in Liverpool's defeat at Chelsea (Credit: Imago)

Van Dijk will be crucial for Liverpool next season

It is safe to say that van Dijk has had better days in a Liverpool shirt and perhaps got himself in a bit of unnecessary bother with his late challenge on Lavia at Stamford Bridge.

However, it is also safe to assume that, having already won the Premier League title, the defender and his teammates will likely get over this defeat against Chelsea quite quickly.

The Liverpool players have probably spent most of the week celebrating, which would explain their lacklustre performance in West London.

What is important is that van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, and the Dutchman will no doubt be crucial next season as Slot's side look to defend the Premier League title.

Virgil van Dijk