VIRGIL VAN DIJK bizarrely handled to give away a first half penalty as Liverpool took on PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League.
Arne Slot‘s side went into the contest desperate for a win, having lost eight of their last 11 matches in all competitions.
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Vurgil van Dijk handles in the box against PSVCredit: Getty
Van Dijk, 34, complains about the penalty decisionCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Their task became a more difficult one, however, when their skipper Van Dijk handled in the box with barely five minutes on the clock.
As a set piece was swung in, the Dutchman raised his arm above his head, palming the ball away.
The referee rightly pointed to the spot, handing the visitors a golden chance to go in front.
Ex-Tottenham star Ivan Perisic made no mistake from the spot, beating Alisson to give his side the lead.
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Fans watching at home were not impressed by Van Dijk’s mistake.
One wrote on X: “Wrong sport, man. I think he remembered the period he played volleyball.”
While a second joked: “VAN DIJK thought he was playing basketball.”
Another added: “That’s a dunk not a penalty.”
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Van Dijk concedes a penalty during the Community ShieldCredit: Getty
The Dutchman was also penalised against BrentfordCredit: PA
The penalty was the third conceded by Van Dijk this season.
Crystal Palace were awarded a spot kick during August’s Community Shield when Van Dijk fouled Ismaila Sarr.
The experienced defender, 34, was then penalised for a foul in the box against Brentford last month.
While Liverpool lost on both of those occasions, they were not behind for long against PSV.
Dominik Szoboszlai was in the right place in the right time to level on 15 minutes, stabbing home the rebound after Cody Gakpo‘s shot was saved by ex-Manchester United stopper Matej Kovar.
Dominik Szoboszlai levels for the RedsCredit: EPA
