It was a drama-filled week for Everton, starting with the Merseyside Derby against Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
Everton’s 1-0 defeat against Liverpool saw two controversial decisions, with Liverpool’s goal incorrectly given.
Mark Clattenberg reckons Liverpool’s goal was offside and shouldn’t have stood, giving David Moyes every right to be fuming.
And, James Tarkowski’s tackle on Alexis Mac Allister caused quite the stir in the media as many couldn’t believe it wasn’t a red card.
James Tarkowski’s challenge has been universally condemned, so when Virgil van Dijk was seen elbowing a Fulham player yesterday, Everton fans were uproared by the lack of spotlight on the incident in the media.
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Everton fans baffled by lack of coverage around Virgil van Dijk’s elbow
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was captured elbowing Fulham midfielder Sander Berge during their 3-2 defeat at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
VAR didn’t intervene and Van Dijk remained on the pitch, much to the disbelief of Everton supporters, who took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to question the baffling decision.
@TheEvertonEnd posted: “Be interesting to see if this gets a media frenzy like Tarkowski’s tackle did.”
“When are the tweets and podcasts about Van Dijk’s elbow coming out,” @cdsmith789 added.
@SportWizz posted: “James Tarkowski challenge in the derby got a lot of airtime this week. Why hasn’t this clear elbow by Van Dijk not have the same energy? This should be a retrospective ban for this.”
@scarlettrosep97 commented: “Van Dijk lucky to be on the pitch.”
“On Wednesday, people wanted Tarkowski sent off. They said VAR missed it. But he was booked for it. Today, Van Dijk elbowed another opponent. Nothing was given,” @WatchedToffee added.
@RoyalBlueStuey said: “Van Dijk needs a red card. He’s just strolling around with impunity, the refs know the fury they’ll receive isn’t worth it.”
James Tarkowski must be baffled by lack of attention on Van Dijk
Van Dijk’s elbow has gone completely under the radar, with very few media outlets reporting on the incident.
Tarkowski must be baffled by the difference in scrutiny between the two incidents, with only supporters on social media really highlighting the refereeing blunder.
PGMOL could still sanction van Dijk, with retrospective bans in place to avoid violent conduct going without punishment.
So, it’ll be interesting to see if the Liverpool skipper is handed a three-match suspension over the coming week.
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