Tottenham given Xavi Simons red card explanation after Virgil van Dijk VAR decision

Xavi Simons was sent off in the first half of Tottenham's Premier League clash against Liverpool after a dangerous challenge on Virgil van Dijk

Tottenham star Xavi Simons has been shown a red card for a late challenge on Virgil van Dijk in their Premier League clash against Liverpool. As it was serious foul play, he will be banned for three games.

VAR recommended a review after Craig Pawson initially showed a yellow card with the referee overturning that to hand Simons a red card.

An explanation of the decision was later made by the Premier League Match Centre on X. It read: "#TOTLIV – 30’ VAR OVERTURN After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.

"Referee announcement: '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.'"

On the incident, Gary Neville said on Sky Sports: "It is a ridiculous challenge, considering he was never going to get there. He is absolutely nowhere near that football. He is going to get a red card."

Given the nature of his dismissal, Simons will be suspended for Tottenham's next three matches.

Spurs have short trips to Crystal Palace and Brentford before 2026 begins before then hosting Sunderland with Simons set to miss all three.

The Dutchmen has endured a challenging start to life at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium following his big move from RB Leipzig in the summer.

After grabbing his first two goals in Lilywhite against Brentford and Slavia Prague earlier this month, it looked as though he had turned a corner.

However, a red card and three-match ban arriving is likely to dent any momentum that he had built up. Frank spoke highly of Simons after his standout display against Brentford earlier this month.

He said: “After a bit of adaptation… but also the team is growing more and more in sync, I think that hasn't helped him.

"Then, when a new player comes into the club and then we play all the games, we need to rotate some players and all that. So, all that now just coming more together, I think the team looked bright today.”

"It was put to Thomas that the way Xavi’s goal came about, with him snapping in to win back possession, would have particularly pleased him. “Yes, that’s hugely important, that quick reaction, that counter-press.

"The rest is fantastic. Actually, it's a top individual action, but I actually like the first goal as much - a little movement, the ball in behind from Pedro, running down there and a perfect pass for Richy.”