Saturday’s Merseyside derby was filled with action. Glorious goals, VAR controversy and red cards all filled a hotly-contested ninety minutes – but one event overshadowed the entire game.
Shortly after the Reds took the lead, a cross by Thiago towards Virgil van Dijk led Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford to issue a heavy clattering challenge that recklessly left Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk severely injured. It was later confirmed by the club that the Dutch international would require knee surgery and would be unavailable for a considerable period.
Unsurprisingly, the challenge garnered a flurry of heated reaction and debate with one pundit claiming the Everton goalkeeper should be banned for as long as Van Dijk is out injured, calling Pickford’s lack of punishment “as disgraceful” as the challenge itself. Controversially, a red card was not given due to the player being in an offside position despite VAR checking the challenge.
However, Pickford should not face retrospective action for his tackle.
The FA rules are clear in relation to offside. The IFAB Laws of the Game 2020-21 state the following under Law 11 – Offside:
In situations where:
- a player in an offside position is moving towards the ball with the intention of playing the ball and is fouled before playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the foul is penalised as it has occurred before the offside offence
- an offence is committed against a player in an offside position who is already playing or attempting to play the ball, or challenging an opponent for the ball, the offside offence is penalised as it has occurred before the foul challenge
It may not seem like any justice has been done, but Pickford is within his rights to face no further action, as was indeed confirmed. Van Dijk was in an offside position and had already attempted to play the ball – seemingly meaning the foul was invalidated.
Then there is also the case of arguing Pickford’s challenge was an example of serious foul play, with violent conduct still punishable regardless of the decision.
Again, Pickford is controversially but correctly able to feature. The FA had deemed that officials had indeed reviewed the incident and decided no further action could be issued.
Whilst indignation remains strong, it would seem scrutiny needs to shift to the referees and not Pickford himself.
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