Legendary Rangers hardman Graeme Souness has been roasted by counterpart Jamie Carragher for comments he made about Jordan Pickford’s challenge on Virgil van Dijk.
The ex-Liverpool icon was speaking after £75m Anfield man van Dijk had his anterior cruciate ligament ruptured by a knee-high tackle by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
The incident could reportedly keep van Dijk out for the rest of the season with the red half of Liverpool now in mourning following the 2-2 draw.
Souness – who was famous for his own crushing challenges and bruising tackles – hit out at the referee and VAR for not protecting van Dijk by failing to Pickford.
This resulted in a heated response from fellow ex-Red Jamie Carragher.
“These things unfortunately happen in football,” said Carragher.
Souness then responded by saying, “but it’s the bigger picture we are talking about. The referees are there to protect players. I’m not saying…”
Carragher: “Oh Graeme. With the tackles you did!”
Souness: “Different generation. And of course I’m guilty of…”
Carragher: “Behave Graeme!”
Souness: “What am I saying that’s wrong?
“I’m saying they are there to protect players.
“Jordan Pickford didn’t set out to damage Virgil van Dijk.
“But my point is if a referee on the pitch and doesn’t see anything wrong with that and it’s not a sending off, it then goes to VAR and they still don’t see anything wrong with it, that’s where it’s wrong.”
Whilst it’s easy to disregard what Graeme Souness is saying because of his past history of crunching challenges, he almost certainly has a point.
Back in the ex-Rangers man’s day there was no VAR and surely there are questions about whether the technology should’ve ensured Pickford saw red.
The top of the table clash between Everton and Liverpool was played out in a pulsating draw on Saturday afternoon, played at the same time as Rangers’ 2-0 win over Celtic.
