Former Chelsea player Frank Leboeuf is convinced Virgil van Dijk's tackles on Onana should've worth a red card
- The Liverpool centre-back was yellow carded instead.
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| Van Dijk's tackle on Amadou Onana |
Sunday's Premier League derby at Goodison came through with lots of talking points after both Merseyside outfit failed to find the net in 96 minutes of football action.
A derby at a different level saw loads of chances missed by both teams with many of their efforts hitting the woodwork. It stretches from that to a goal scored by Conor Coady ruled out for offside and a stomping tackle by Virgil van Dijk on midfielder Amadou Onana.
Virgil van Dijk was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor after his challenge on Onana, the Liverpool defender came late into the challenge and had his stud stamped on the foot of the former Lille midfielder.
Speaking on ESPN about the incident Chelsea's former star man Leboeuf explained why Taylor's decision not to send Virgil van Dijk off was wrong.
He said: "No, I’m not (convinced that it was not a red card) because ecause I see the ankle moving, I think it’s a violent act and I’m sorry because I know he’s late.
"I know he tries to get the ball but it’s very hard contact. And when I see, every time I see the picture I have to hide my eyes because I think it could have been very dangerous for Onana.
"It's always dangerous when you catch a little bit above the ankle, you can break it. You can break the ankle. It could be, it could be terrible. So it’s a violent act. Even if it’s clumsy, it is a violent act."
Everton boss and Chelsea legend Frank Lampard thinks the same, he was questioned about van Dijk's tackle on his post match conference he responded: "Absolutely. I've heard a lot this week insinuating my players were time wasting at the game at Leeds.
"There were some things said last season that were negative about my players and decisions we got the wrong end of. I love Virgil van Dijk. As a player he's fantastic, sometimes you mis-time tackles and they are bad. If you look at the moment he connects with Amadou up on his shin and Amadou's foot is on the ground, then I'm surprised it's not gone to VAR.
"I just feel the referee got that one wrong."