
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk did not hold back in his assessment of referee Anthony Taylor's performance after the Reds secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Bournemouth at Anfield.
The Dutch defender, who scored Liverpool's third goal, expressed frustration with Taylor's decision-making throughout the match, particularly in the first half. "I think the referee had a tough game," Van Dijk told reporters post-match. "Some decisions were questionable, and it's something we need to discuss."
Controversial Moments Spark Outrage
The match saw several contentious incidents, including a potential penalty appeal for Bournemouth when Joe Gomez appeared to handle the ball in the box. Taylor waved play on, much to the visitors' dismay.
Van Dijk acknowledged Liverpool's own grievances, pointing to a challenge on Luis Diaz that went unpunished. "There were moments where consistency was lacking," he said. "At this level, we expect better."
Klopp Defends Team Amid Referee Debate
Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp praised his team's resilience but admitted the officiating could have been sharper. "We fought hard for the three points, but yes, there were some strange calls," Klopp remarked.
The win keeps Liverpool in the hunt at the top of the Premier League table, though Van Dijk's comments are sure to reignite debates about refereeing standards in English football.