Virgil van Dijk makes his feelings clear on Xavi Simons' horror challenge

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Liverpool IconLiverpool FC NewsFeaturesVirgil Van DijkVirgil van Dijk has commented on the red card shown to Xavi Simons after the Tottenham player caught the Liverpool defender on his Achilles during the Reds' 2-1 victoryVirgil van Dijk after being fouled by Xavi Simons(Image: Getty Images)Virgil van Dijk does not believe Tottenham star Xavi Simons set out to hurt him, but he would not reveal the contents of his conversation with his international teammate.The Dutch midfielder, who has publicly apologized to Van Dijk, was sent off after catching the Liverpool ace on his Achilles. Referee John Brooks was advised by Stockley Park officials to review the incident and upgraded the punishment to a straight red card as a result.READ MORE: Liverpool has Alexander Isak 'serious injury' fear giving Arne Slot worst-possible scenarioREAD MORE: Virgil van Dijk explains Liverpool 'aim' and shares delight before Premier League firstA statement from the Premier League Match Centre said: "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.

My final decision is red card.'"Liverpool veteran Van Dijk acknowledged he was hurt by the challenge. The defender appeared certain that there was no malicious intent behind the foul.Xavi Simons of Tottenham Hotspur reacts toward Virgil van Dijk(Image: Getty Images)"I don't think there was any intention to hurt me, but obviously he hurt me, and then the referee and the VAR made the decision to send him off," Van Dijk said."Yeah, I spoke to him [after the game].

I would never intentionally hurt him or anyone."To my Spurs teammates, my manager, and the fans, I take responsibility, I'm really sorry."Spurs manager Frank was astonished that his player had received such a severe punishment for what he deemed an accident. "It's not reckless, and it's not exceptional force."He's chasing Van Dijk and changes direction, and, unfortunately, his foot is on his Achilles."We're not allowed to have physical contact anymore, and he gets three games.