Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will not face any retrospective punishment for an off-the-ball incident involving Arsenalโs Kai Havertz during their 2-2 draw at the Emirates, according to The Times. Van Dijk downplayed suggestions he should have received a red card for kicking Havertz, calling it โpart and parcel of the game.โ
The incident occurred in the sixth minute when Havertz fell to the ground following a clash with Van Dijk, who initially shoved him with his right arm before seemingly kicking him twice with his left leg. Referee Anthony Taylor took no action at the time, and Van Dijk later scored Liverpoolโs equalizer from a Trent Alexander-Arnold corner.
Arsenal had taken the lead twice with goals from Bukayo Saka and Mikel Merino, but Liverpool equalized thanks to Mohamed Salah, even after Jurrien Timberโs injury disrupted Arsenalโs play. Van Dijk dismissed the controversy, stating, โIt is a physical game, and these things happen.โ
Liverpool currently leads Arsenal by four points in the Premier League and is just one point behind Manchester City. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed disappointment, believing his team missed opportunities in the first half. โIt shouldโve been a bigger score in the first half,โ he said.
โThey came out in the second half, and we didnโt have the courage.โ Arsenal now sits five points behind City and needs to regain momentum to stay in the title race.