Former Premier League referee Peter Walton has accused officials of favoring Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk this season, suggesting the defender has been fortunate to escape punishment in several instances.
Van Dijk has been a crucial figure in Liverpool’s title push, forming a solid partnership with Ibrahima Konaté. However, Walton believes referees have given him the benefit of the doubt due to his physical dominance.
“I think Van Dijk has been fortunate this season with some decisions,” Walton told talkSPORT BET. “His stature and playing actions work in his favor, and referees have been giving him leeway. A smaller player might not receive the same treatment.”
The comments come after Liverpool’s dramatic 2-2 draw with Everton, where Van Dijk criticized referee Michael Oliver for losing control of the match.
The game saw late drama, with James Tarkowski scoring a 98th-minute equalizer and a post-match brawl leading to red cards for Curtis Jones, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Liverpool boss Arne Slot, and assistant Sipke Hulshoff.
Van Dijk was vocal about the officiating, stating, “I think the referee didn’t have the game under control. Some fouls were given, others weren’t, and that affected the match.”
Despite the controversy, Liverpool remain top of the league but will be disappointed after dropping crucial points in the title race.