'The new De Gea!' - Twitter reacts to Virgil van Dijk's red card vs Newcastle

Cameron Smith

Updated: 27 Aug 2023 17:28 BST
5 min read

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool, 2022/23 — © ProShots

Virgil van Dijk was left furious after he was shown a red card in Liverpool's Premier League clash against Newcastle United, with Jurgen Klopp forced to push the defender down the tunnel to avoid a confrontation with the fourth official.

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The Dutchman was sent off in the 28th minute after a challenge on Alexander Isak on the edge of the penalty area, with referee John Brooks judging the foul to be denying a clear and obvious goal-scoring opportunity.

It was Van Dijk's first red card since 2016 and his first straight red card for Liverpool.

The decision then saw Luis Diaz taken off for Joe Gomez, with Liverpool's afternoon going from bad to worse having conceded minutes earlier to an Anthony Gordon goal after an error from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Here is how Twitter reacted to Van Dijk's red card.

Virgil van Dijk's red card against Newcastle

Van Dijk is the new De Gea. Two amazing seasons which created a totally false reputation for the player. The rest of his seasons littered with clown show mistakes week after week after week.
— Ahead of the Curve (@mediocentr0) August 27, 2023

If we're serious about this new age of stamping out dissent, Virgil van Dijk should have his ban extended. Appalling behaviour towards the official.
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) August 27, 2023

Remember when Liverpool fans and journalists said Virgil van Dijk was better than Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi? 😂
— Carlo Garganese (@carlogarganese) August 27, 2023

Virgil van Dijk’s game by numbers vs. Newcastle:

22 touches
3x possession lost
1 foul committed
1 red card
0/1 long balls completed
0/1 aerial duels won

Disastrous afternoon. 😬 pic.twitter.com/1nbEav4Joe
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 27, 2023

Never disrespect Vidic with Van Dijk comparisons ever again pic.twitter.com/SkVZ97FwQT
— 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐫 (@UtdEra_) August 27, 2023

Lewis Dunk would never...
— Ronan Murphy (@swearimnotpaul) August 27, 2023

The rules are simple, if you go through a player to win a ball, it's a foul. Don't see the debate here. Van Dijk's attempt to win the ball tripped Isak who blind-sided him and was through on goal.

For me, there is no debate based on the rules of the game.
— Vince™ (@Blue_Footy) August 27, 2023