Van Dijk Escapes Disciplinary Action in Heated Liverpool-Tottenham Clash

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk avoided disciplinary action during a tense Carabao Cup semi-final second leg against Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, despite appearing to elbow forward Richarlison in the opening minutes of the match.

The incident occurred just two minutes into the game at Anfield, as Van Dijk and Richarlison tussled for the ball. The Brazilian forward went to ground clutching his face after the clash, later confronting the Liverpool defender. Referee Craig Pawson opted against taking action, a decision backed by VAR officials.

Co-commentator Ally McCoist suggested Van Dijk may have escaped a red card because the contact was below Richarlison’s chin rather than directly to his face. “There is an elbow there, I will tell you right now. Maybe just below the chin,” McCoist said during the broadcast. “He might just get away with it because it’s below his chin.”

The match carried high stakes, with Tottenham holding a 1-0 aggregate lead from the first leg thanks to a goal by Lucas Bergvall. Liverpool had felt aggrieved in that match when Bergvall avoided a second yellow card moments before scoring. The Reds leveled the tie in the 34th minute through Cody Gakpo, setting up a tense second half.

The winners of the semi-final will face Newcastle United in the final at Wembley Stadium next month. The match was marked by controversy and physicality, with both teams vying for a spot in the prestigious final.

Richarlison, who has been a key player for Tottenham this season, appeared unharmed and continued playing after the incident. Van Dijk, meanwhile, remained a central figure in Liverpool’s defense as the team sought to overturn the deficit.

The decision not to sanction Van Dijk sparked debate among fans and analysts, with many questioning whether the defender should have been penalized. The incident added to the growing list of contentious moments in this season’s Carabao Cup, which has seen several high-profile clashes and controversial refereeing decisions.

As the match progressed, both teams created chances, but neither could find a decisive goal in the first half. The second half promised more drama, with Tottenham aiming to protect their slender advantage and Liverpool pushing for a breakthrough.

The Carabao Cup remains a key target for both clubs, offering a chance to secure silverware early in the season. For Liverpool, it represents an opportunity to continue their strong form under manager Arne Slot, while Tottenham are looking to build on their recent resurgence under Ange Postecoglou.

With the final whistle approaching, the tension at Anfield was palpable, as fans of both teams hoped their side would emerge victorious and book a place at Wembley.