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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Mark Wakefield

'It’s a violent act' - Virgil van Dijk told he should have seen red for Everton challenge

Former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf believes that Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk should have been sent off for his tackle on Everton’s Amadou Onana.

The 241st Merseyside derby ended in a goalless draw on Saturday in the Premier League clash at Goodison Park. Everton thought they had scored when Conor Coady poked the ball home from close range, but it was ruled out for offside.

One of the more controversial incidents in the game was when Van Dijk tackled Onana in the second half. The Dutchman was shown a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor, and the decision has divided opinion.

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READ MORE: Everton told why Virgil van Dijk avoided Liverpool red card for 'reckless' Amadou Onana challenge

Leboeuf, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, has given his opinion on the Van Dijk tackle. The former Chelsea defender believes the Liverpool player should have been shown a red card, and says that it was “very dangerous” for Onana.

“No, I’m not [convinced that it was not a red card],” Leboeuf told ESPN. “Because 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.”

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