Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk avoided a red card against Tottenham despite appearing to elbow Richarlison during their dominant 4-0 Carabao Cup semi-final victory at Anfield.
The Dutch defender was involved in a challenge with the Brazilian forward, where Van Dijk’s stray elbow appeared to make contact with Richarlison’s face, sending him to the ground.
The Tottenham forward clutched his face and cried out in pain, before getting to his feet to confront Van Dijk.
The Liverpool captain later went on to score as the Reds ran riot against Ange Postecoglou’s side.
Referee Craig Pawson opted not to penalize Van Dijk, and VAR upheld his on-field decision.
Commentating on the incident, Ally McCoist admitted that Van Dijk “got away with it,” acknowledging that the Liverpool defender was fortunate because he didn’t make full contact with Richarlison’s face.
“I don’t think there’s any doubt about having a quick look at it. He brings his arm up to try and shrug him off,’ McCoist said.
“There is an elbow there, I will tell you right now.
“Maybe just below the chin but they will have a look at it.
“He might just get away with it because it’s below his chin.
“Richarlison feels hard done by, he uses his elbow.
“I’m not sure it makes any contact with the face and that’s what saves him.”
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