Arsenal fans strongly believed that Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk deserved a red card for violent conduct during the 2-2 draw at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Van Dijk scored Liverpool’s first equalizer with a powerful header from a corner kick in the 18th minute, following Bukayo Saka’s opening goal in the ninth minute.

Mikel Merino and Mohamed Salah also added to the scoreline later in the game. However, the goals were overshadowed by an incident where Van Dijk was penalized for an off-the-ball foul on Kai Havertz.

In the sixth minute, while the game was still scoreless, Van Dijk received the ball from Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher and passed it left to Andy Robertson.

Though Havertz had closed in on Van Dijk, he didn’t attempt a tackle. After passing, Van Dijk pushed Havertz back with his right hand and appeared to forcefully thrust his left leg toward the Arsenal forward in a seemingly deliberate manner.

Referee Anthony Taylor awarded a free-kick but did not give Van Dijk a card for his actions.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville criticized Van Dijk’s foul, stating, “He was stupid, Van Dijk. He got involved in a little tussle and kind of backed into him.” Watching the replay, Neville continued, “A slight elbow and then that. Oh yeah, he kicks out at him too. Silly. There was no need for it.”

Numerous Arsenal fans were outraged by what they saw as leniency from Taylor.

One fan expressed frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “How did Van Dijk get away with that???? Not even a yellow for hitting and kicking someone off the ball????”

Another posted, “If an Arsenal player did what Van Dijk just did to Havertz, VAR would have called the ref, and it’d be an instant red card.”

A third Arsenal supporter remarked, “That was a red card offense from Van Dijk, but he wasn’t wearing an Arsenal jersey.”