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 and Liverpool. The incident occurred with the score at 0-0, and referee John Brooks initially issued a yellow card.
However, the Premier League Match Centre confirmed that Brooks was advised by VAR officials to review the incident, leading to an upgrade to a straight red card. A statement read: 'After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.' The referee's announcement added: 'After review, the Tottenham No.7, with studs, catches the Liverpool player [No.4] on the calf high - it's an act of serious foul play. My final decision is red card.'
Sky Sports commentator Gary Neville criticised the challenge, saying: 'That wasn't clever. He was never going to get there... Malicious, nasty, reckless? Whatever you want to call it. Stupidity.' Former Tottenham midfielder Andy Reid also commented, describing it as 'a silly one from Xavi Simons.'
Jamie Redknapp, who played for both clubs, called the challenge 'ridiculous' and 'a stupid challenge that constitutes a red card.' Meanwhile, Daniel Sturridge suggested Simons was not malicious but had simply 'got it completely wrong.'
