Virgil van Dijk's sock shows extent of Xavi Simons horror challenge vs Liverpool

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Virgil van Dijk was left writhing in pain after being cut down by Xavi Simons during the first half of Saturday's Premier League game between Liverpool and Tottenham in London

Xavi Simons was shown a red card after his challenge on Virgil van Dijk(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Xavi Simons left his mark on Virgil van Dijk's sock after his brutal challenge on the Liverpool captain resulted in a red card.

In what had been quite the tame opening period in the Reds' away clash at Tottenham, the atmosphere on the pitch very quickly livened up after Simons hacked down his international teammate. The attacking midfielder clattered into the back of the Liverpool defender, with replays showing that the studs of the Spurs ace had raked down Van Dijk's calf, leaving the 34-year-old writhing in pain.

Simons, 22, was initially shown a yellow card by referee John Brooks, but he was sent over to the monitor by VAR, and after several replays of the challenge, he upgraded his initial decision to a straight red card.

Discussing the situation on Sky Sports, co-commentator Gary Neville said: "That wasn't clever. He was never going to get there. He rakes his studs right down Van Dijk. It's a poor, poor challenge.

"I can see why it's being checked. It's a ridiculous challenge."

The X account of the Premier League Match Centre posted on the platform following the decision which read: "After VAR review, the referee overturned the original decision of yellow card to Simons and issued a red card for serious foul play.

Virgil van Dijk looked in real pain after the brutal challenge by Xavi Simons(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

"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.'"

Neville continued live on air: "Virgil van Dijk is six foot four and 15 stone. If it is the other way around, it's a leg breaker.

"Thomas Frank is having a whinge about it, but none of the Tottenham players are complaining. The ones who have seen it are going, 'What are you doing?'

"That could have done some real damage..."

While Van Dijk recovered from what looked like a potential harrowing injury, it was Alexander Isak who fell victim to a challenge from Micky van de Ven on his way to opening the scoring in the game.

The Reds skipper suffered noticeable damage to his sock after the challenge (Image: Getty Images)

After latching onto Florian Wirtz's through ball, the Swede finished home with his left foot, but he did so while the Dutchman clattered into him, which caused the striker to jar his knee.

The 26-year-old was reduced to tears as he was forced off less than 15 minutes after being substituted on in yet another moment threatening to derail his debut season at Liverpool.

Talking about the moment, Neville said: "That is a sad sight for Isak. The could have been his lift-off moment. But he has picked up an injury."