Inside the controversy: Van Dijk blames official for decisive Liverpool loss

Liverpool remain without a Premier League win in 2026 after the loss at the Vitality Stadium. The result ended their 13-game unbeaten run and left their position in the top four under threat. The Reds now sit on 36 points, seven behind third-placed Aston Villa, with rivals still to play.

The key moment of controversy came deep into stoppage time. From a long Bournemouth throw-in, chaos ensued inside the penalty area before Amine Adli reacted quickest to score the decisive goal. Liverpool players immediately appealed to the referee, with Van Dijk claiming he had been fouled in the build-up.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Van Dijk said: “What I felt on that pitch is that I was blocked, but the referee and VAR didn’t give it. I can stand here and say it shouldn’t have been given, but it was, so it is what it is.”

However, VAR officials and several pundits later suggested that Van Dijk was obstructed by teammate Curtis Jones rather than a Bournemouth player. Former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp said: “He was blocked off, he was fouled, but it was by his own player Curtis Jones.

“Virgil is in a decent position, but as it comes in – and it’s an incredible throw – he goes to attack it. As he goes to win it, Jones trips over him. Then it all becomes about Adli. He’s brilliant. He’s the only one alive to the situation.”

It was a difficult afternoon overall for Van Dijk. He was at fault for Liverpool’s opening concession after a weak clearance, and although he scored to pull the visitors back into the game, he was unable to inspire a comeback. The defeat marked Liverpool’s fifth winless league match since the start of 2026.

Head coach Arne Slot accepted responsibility after the game. “Maybe that sums up our season,” he said. “Every time it’s something different, something special in the way we concede. But we concede, and the only ones to blame are ourselves.

“I think it is safe to say they could have scored the 3-2 a little bit earlier. A few players of ours ran out of energy, and I cannot criticise them for that. Two days ago, we had to play an away game in Europe. We are the only team that played in the Champions League with just two days in between matches. After an away game, we had another away game against one of the most intense teams.”

Liverpool now have four days to recover before hosting Qarabag at Anfield in their final Champions League league-phase match on 29 January (03:00 GMT+7). The Reds are currently fourth in the Champions League standings, and a win would secure a top-eight finish and avoid the play-off round.