Is Van Dijk’s Reputation Protecting Him From Proper Punishment? | OneFootball

Does Reputation Protect Virgil van Dijk? A Spotlight on a Liverpool Icon’s Disciplinary Record

Elite Defender or Untouchable Star?

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s majestic centre-back and captain since the summer of 2023, continues to be a divisive figure — not because of his talent, which is universally admired, but due to the seemingly charmed life he leads in the eyes of referees. A recent Telegraph article takes aim at the Dutchman’s disciplinary record and raises a compelling question: is Van Dijk’s reputation shielding him from appropriate punishment?

The match that reignited the debate was Liverpool’s recent trip to Fulham. Just five minutes in, Van Dijk clattered into Rodrigo Muniz with a thunderous body check that left the Fulham striker grimacing. The incident, along with a concurrent foul by Caoimhín Kelleher on Andreas Pereira, was quickly dismissed by VAR as “a coming together and not a reckless action.” It was a statement that left opposition fans fuming and pundits baffled.

Later, in the 71st minute and moments before Luis Díaz made it 3-2, Van Dijk swung a forearm towards the head of Sander Berge. No punishment followed. Once again, the Dutchman escaped sanction.

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Repeated Incidents, Repeated Inaction

The Telegraph enlisted Keith Hackett, former head of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), to review the mounting list of flashpoints in Van Dijk’s career. Hackett’s assessment is damning:

“Virgil van Dijk once again unfairly impedes his opponent. He knows exactly what he is doing… Van Dijk is a serial offender and gets away with another one.”

In his eyes, Liverpool’s captain doesn’t just benefit from favourable decisions — he repeatedly commits offences that should have been met with red or yellow cards.

Take, for example, Van Dijk’s forearm swing on Sander Berge. Hackett didn’t hesitate:

“Van Dijk swings his forearm at Sander Berge from a Fulham corner but it is ignored by the officials… It has excessive force so should be a sending off.”

Or cast your mind back to the 2022-23 Merseyside Derby, where Van Dijk planted his studs into Amadou Onana’s shin. VAR didn’t intervene, much to the confusion of then-Everton manager Frank Lampard:

“It was up on Amadou’s shin… I’m surprised it hasn’t gone to VAR and they haven’t asked the ref to go and look at it.”

Hackett’s conclusion?

“Van Dijk’s challenge used excessive force and endangered the safety of his opponent… fulfilled the criteria for serious foul play.”Verdict: RED CARD

This wasn’t a one-off. Van Dijk’s challenge on Auston Trusty, where he grabbed the Sheffield United player around the throat and forced him to the ground, also went unpunished. Hackett again:

“When I ran PGMOL, this would have been an automatic red-card offence.”Verdict: RED CARD

Champions League Nights, Domestic Clashes and Quiet Leniency

Even as Liverpool surged to the top of the table and marched through Europe this season, Van Dijk’s combative streak continued. Against Arsenal in October, he delivered two kicks to Kai Havertz after being pulled back. Hackett concluded that while not violent enough for red, it certainly deserved a yellow:

Verdict: YELLOW CARD

There was also the early December thriller at St. James’ Park. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon was body-checked in the box by Van Dijk. No penalty, no VAR review. Yet Hackett saw it differently:

“Van Dijk deliberately changing direction… should have resulted in a penalty kick and a minimum yellow card.”Verdict: PENALTY AND YELLOW CARD

And then there’s Dominic Solanke, the Bournemouth striker and former Liverpool man. In the EFL Cup semi-final against Spurs, Van Dijk was accused of raking his studs down the back of Solanke’s calf. Once more, no action from the officials.

Verdict: YELLOW CARD

His altercation with Richarlison, too, was brushed aside by referee Craig Pawson. Hackett believed the bare minimum sanction was a yellow card.

Verdict: YELLOW CARD

In total, Hackett examined seven incidents — six of which occurred after Van Dijk became Liverpool’s captain. All but one, he claimed, warranted a card or penalty.

Captaincy and Referee Relations

Could Van Dijk’s new role as club captain explain the apparent soft-glove treatment? Hackett seems to think so.

“One hour before a game kicks off, Van Dijk will… go into the referee’s dressing room and be introduced… I just wonder whether the conversations between the referee and Van Dijk are fairly amicable and that the referees are falling into a trap.”

There’s no denying that the Dutchman exudes calm, confidence and authority — all traits referees might naturally gravitate toward in the heat of a game. But should such qualities lead to a blind eye being turned? Hackett’s view is firm:

“There is no doubt as far as I’m concerned that this player has become a serial offender and match officials are failing to apply the appropriate sanctions.”

It’s an extraordinary claim — and one that opens up wider questions about how reputation can influence officiating in modern football.

Modern Officiating in the Spotlight

This isn’t a new debate in football. From Roy Keane’s intimidation to Sergio Ramos’ persistent dark arts, elite players have always found ways to play the margins. But the game now boasts VAR, countless camera angles and layers of review. So how does Van Dijk keep evading repercussions?

The answer may lie in the blend of elite positioning, calm demeanour and a perception of fairness. He rarely looks aggressive, even when making impactful challenges. But Hackett’s analysis unravels that perception with forensic precision.

His words carry weight not because of who they’re about — but because of what they reveal: that even in the age of technology and accountability, certain players might still live in a protective halo, shielded by their stature.

Liverpool fans may view this criticism as an attack on their captain and team. Neutral observers may see it as long-overdue scrutiny of one of the Premier League’s most admired players.

Either way, the discussion sparked by The Telegraph offers a timely reminder: even the best must be held to account. Especially when their actions have the power to change games — and seasons.

Our View – Anfield Index Analysis

As Liverpool fans, we’re proud of what Van Dijk has achieved. He’s been a colossal presence since arriving at Anfield and a symbol of defensive excellence. But this piece does leave us asking uncomfortable questions.

Firstly, the volume of incidents highlighted is difficult to ignore. While we’re used to rival fans moaning about refereeing bias, having Keith Hackett — someone with real authority — lay it out like this hits differently. It’s not just one or two questionable calls; it’s a string of unpunished actions stretching across multiple seasons.

We back our captain. But if this sort of analysis continues to gain traction, referees might begin overcompensating. One overreaction and we could lose Van Dijk for a crucial game. His leadership is irreplaceable under Arne Slot, especially with younger defenders still finding their footing.

The real worry? If refs are letting things slide now, the pendulum might soon swing the other way. And the last thing we need in the business end of the season is retrospective justice or reputational backlash.

We’re not calling for leniency or bias — just clarity and consistency. If Van Dijk has crossed the line, let it be judged like anyone else. But let’s not pretend this scrutiny isn’t partly fuelled by rival frustration and media narrative.