Best players, coaches, teams of the 21st century - ranked

Why American fans should care about the 2025 Club World Cup

As USMNT boss, Pochettino opens doors for Latino players, fans

Vinícius Júnior’s imperfect conception

The 25 best USMNT players of the 21st century - ranked

Mbappe handed new nickname at Real Madrid after Sevilla stunner

Ex-Chelsea ace Oscar finalising transfer to former club 

Ratcliffe makes key Rashford decision after Amorim snub

Man City set to sell HALF their XI & launch ‘new era’

'Every coach's dream' - Guardiola tipped for sensational Madrid move

Greenwood gets Fernandes support after latest Marseille strike

Martinez transfer to Chelsea? Why Blues ‘could get him’

Carragher calls for bans after awful Raya moment against Palace

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Van Dijk shoved Gordon with his shoulder</li><li>Fans call out VAR's role</li><li>Liverpool held to a 1-1 draw</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'He knows exactly what he's doing' - Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk called out for off-the-ball shoulder charge on Newcastle's Anthony Gordon as 'point' of VAR is called into question again

Premier League

Newcastle

Aston Villa

Liverpool

Leicester

<p>Just a couple of minutes after <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/alexander-isak-virgil-van-dijk-unstoppable-goal-liverpool/blt8507b4d1dd543a24" target="_blank">Alexander Isak scored a world-class opening goal</a> for Newcastle, Gordon had a golden opportunity to double his team's lead when he found himself one-on-one with Caoimhin Kelleher after outpacing Joe Gomez, however, he hit the ball straight at the Reds custodian's hand. Soon after his miss, captain Van Dijk cheekily charged the Magpies star with his shoulder inside the penalty which went unnoticed.</p><p></p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Fans on social media were quick to point out Van Dijk's actions as some of them questioned the credibility of VAR.</p><p><a href="https://x.com/jordancronin_/status/1864405474885427495" target="_blank">Jordan Cronin</a> wrote on X: "Look at Virgil van Dijk here. He knows exactly what's doing. What's the point of VAR?"</p><p>A fan named <a href="https://x.com/richardson_sam/status/1864402004744802392" target="_blank">Sam </a>called the incident 'ridiculous' as he wrote, "Body check from Van Dijk goes unpunished!? Ridiculous."</p><p><a href="https://x.com/SamNevin98/status/1864403197260902667" target="_blank">Sam Nevin</a> hinted at favouritism towards Liverpool as he wrote "Didn't realise you could just smash into players if your keeper has the ball.. oh wait, it's Liverpool"</p><p><a href="https://x.com/ChrisConway/status/1864402090044346687" target="_blank">Chris Conway</a> too questioned the role of VAR as he wrote, "That was a cynical, deliberate shoulder into Gordon’s face from Van Dijk. VAR declines to take a look… And the point of VAR is?"</p><p>Calling out the Dutch defender's action, <a href="https://x.com/mp_white11/status/1864401990224097282" target="_blank">Michael White</a> wrote, "Van Dijk is the most protected footballer on earth, that's pretty low from the big fella, definitely a deliberate shoulder to the head on Gordon. Obviously no action."</p>

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

<p>The visitors restored parity through Curtis Jones' brilliant strike in the 50th minute before Gordon finally found the back of the net to make it 2-1. Salah then equalised for the Reds before putting his team in the front for the first time in the game in the 83rd minute. However, Fabian Schar's late goal made sure that the Magpies walked away with at least a point.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>With Chelsea securing a thumping 5-1 win over Southampton on the same night, Arne Slot's side saw their lead at the top of the Premier League table reduced to seven points. They will be next seen in action on Saturday in the Merseyside derby against arch-rivals Everton. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR LIVERPOOL?

'He knows exactly what he's doing' - Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk called out for off-the-ball shoulder charge on Newcastle's Anthony Gordon as 'point' of VAR is called into question again | Goal.com US

Fans call out Virgil van Dijk&apos;s off-the-ball shoulder charge on Anthony Gordon as VAR&apos;s role questioned once again.

&apos;He knows exactly what he&apos;s doing&apos; - Liverpool&apos;s Virgil van Dijk called out for off-the-ball shoulder charge on Newcastle&apos;s Anthony Gordon as &apos;point&apos; of VAR is called into question again