Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has admitted he is finding it difficult to accept the circumstances surrounding Virgil van Dijk's injury in the Merseyside derby.
The centre-back was on the receiving end of a crunching challenge from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford - which the Toffees goalkeeper was ultimately not punished for - and Van Dijk is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo knee surgery.
Later on in the 2-2 draw at Goodison Park, another one of Klopp's men - Thiago Alcantara - was lucky to escape without serious injury after being tackled by Richarlison, who was given his marching orders.
However, Klopp has not been shy in vocalising his anger at the situation, telling reporters: "A few days ago something that should not have happened in a football game, happened.
"It was not the first time and it won't be the last, but both challenges were difficult to accept. We can't change this now. I spoke the day after and it's hard for us as Virgil is our boy. It is difficult to take because the referee doesn't see it.
"Michael Oliver is an excellent referee but he had the best view. Then VAR forgets the rules. As a human, I don't want to see Everton players punished, but we all agree if you do something wrong, you have to deal with consequences.
"Right now there are only two people suffering with the consequences and they are Virgil and Thiago."
Liverpool's first game without Van Dijk sees the Reds travel to the defender's native Netherlands to take on Ajax in Wednesday's Champions League clash.
Ben Knapton
