‘Very nervous’ referee ‘couldn’t communicate’ with Robertson – Van Dijk

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has questioned referee Tony Harrington’s composure 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, treatment on an injury, culpability for Andreas Pereira’s 11th-minute opener and his dismissal for denying Harry Wilson a clear scoring chance after the left-back had miscontrolled the ball.

“We kept going, we kept trying” 💪

Virgil van Dijk on Liverpool coming from behind TWICE to draw against Fulham 💭 pic.twitter.com/n1lL8MZltu

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

“I had conversations with the players of Fulham and we felt like the referee was nervous,” Van Dijk told Sky Sports, via BBC Sport.

“He couldn’t properly communicate with Robertson, I felt. We all speak about protecting the referee, but I couldn’t speak to him.

“We can’t put the blame on the referee. It shouldn’t be a big thing because he isn’t why we dropped points.”

“We ended up with a draw and I don’t think we can blame the referee for that” 💬

Arne Slot on 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

Robertson’s red card did not appear to be contentious, with attacker Wilson setting off on a direct path towards goal behind Liverpool’s defence.

The crowd booed during a lengthy Video Assistant Referee check to decide whether Wilson had been offside before the punishment was confirmed.

Cody Gakpo equalised by heading in Mohamed Salah’s cross two minutes after the break, but Rodrigo Muniz flicked the Cottagers back in front 14 minutes from time.

On his return from an 11-game injury absence, substitute Jota then turned smartly and rolled in a composed finish four minutes from time to move the leaders five points clear of second-placed Chelsea.

“If you’re asking me about 50/50 moments we are going to be here all afternoon talking, and not about the game” 😲

Marco Silva was NOT happy when asked if Issa Diop or Andreas Pereira should have been given red cards 🟥 pic.twitter.com/702KQNEcIb

— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 14, 2024

Van Dijk: Liverpool ‘could have had more’

Van Dijk said it was “always going to be tough” against opponents who led after 86 minutes of their 4-3 defeat at Liverpool last season.

The Cottagers extended their unbeaten run to nine matches, having led in a 1-1 draw at third-placed Arsenal last Sunday.

“A great comeback is very positive,” added Van Dijk. “We showed fight and kept trying to create chances. It could have been more but we take the point and move on.

“Stay calm – it’s easier to say than do it. We saw [Fulham are tough] last year, and last week against Arsenal. We had to turn it around and keep fighting.

“We tried. It is what it is. We’ll take the point, recover quickly and be ready for the [Carabao Cup quarter-final] game [at Southampton at 8pm GMT] on Wednesday.”