Xavi Simons was sent off for serious foul play after a horror challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. The score was 0-0 when Simons caught Van Dijk on the calf with his studs, initially receiving a yellow card from referee John Brooks.
However, officials at Stockley Park advised Brooks to review the incident, leading to the yellow card being upgraded to a straight red card. The Premier League Match Centre confirmed the decision, stating that the referee overturned his original decision after a VAR review, issuing a red card for serious foul play.
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville criticised the tackle, describing it as a poor, reckless challenge. He noted that Simons was never going to reach the ball and that the tackle could have been a leg breaker if the roles were reversed. Neville also mentioned that none of the Tottenham players complained about the decision.
Former Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid, covering the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, said it was a silly tackle by Xavi Simons, catching Van Dijk down the back of his Achilles with his studs. At half-time, former Liverpool and Spurs player Jamie Redknapp called it a stupid challenge that constituted a red card.
Daniel Sturridge, also speaking about the incident, said Simons got it completely wrong but suggested he is not a malicious player. The red card means Simons will serve a suspension for Tottenham.
