Reactions as Pundit Claims Pickford Should be Banned For Most of the Season

Controversy and tension are integral components of any good Merseyside derby, and the latest contest between the Toffees and the Reds was no exception.

A 2-2 draw produced an array of key moments. VAR controversy, reckless challenges, red cards and of course, fantastic goals – the Merseyside derby truly had it all.

Delivering on fan expectations, both Everton and Liverpool had a point to prove to their local rivals. In-form Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored his tenth goal of the season from a Lucas Digne cross with a towering header whilst Jordan Henderson controversially had a 92nd-minute winner ruled out for a questionable and marginal offside decision that went to VAR.

Despite the commendable competitiveness in the draw at Goodison Park, one of the darker highlights of the heated fixture was Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s reckless and endangering challenge on Virgil van Dijk.

Pickford was adjudged to have not conceded a penalty after an offside call was given, though many viewers were left scratching their heads as to why Pickford was not given a punishment for his conduct. It has since been confirmed that van Dijk will need to undergo knee surgery following the last-ditch challenge.

The footballing world was awash with heated reactions, though commentator Julien Laurens’ bold claim that Pickford should be banned for as long as it takes for van Dijk to recover from injury garnered plenty of interest.

Twitter: RT @ESPNFC: @LaurensJulien believes Jordan Pickford should be banned for as long as Virgil van Dijk is out injured. https://t.co/vGVatrorkz (@ESPNFC)

His take proved to be the subject of strong interest, as the Twitter reactions demonstrate…

Twitter: We’re living in the age of the charlatan. A grown man, 40 year old man gets paid for such opinions. If you’re ever… https://t.co/RzFFyEzNEm (@nexustweetsme)

Twitter: @ESPNFC @LaurensJulien Clowns… Liverpool fans are just clowns (@FurulundAge)

Twitter: @PepBobbiola @xmcl4000boost @AuntWenna @ESPNFC @LaurensJulien How does that have literally anything to do with touching the ref lmfao (@MMarfuggi)

Twitter: @DMBr0wnie @Marcotti @LaurensJulien @davidpreece12 Behave yourself, I’m just pointing out the stupidity of the viewpoint (@mark_a_ellison)

Twitter: Getting embarrassing now all these calls for Pickford to be banned for the length of time van dijk is out injured f… https://t.co/lFeAqJ7WLw (@DanMorgzz)