Micky van de Ven has come under fire following a challenge on Saturday that left Alexander Isak with a suspected broken leg.
Liverpool secured a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but their celebrations were dampened by the news that their £125 million forward is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Van de Ven attempted to block Isak’s opening goal but instead made contact with the striker, forcing him to leave the pitch. Further scans are expected to confirm that Isak has suffered a leg fracture, an injury that could rule him out for around three months.
The incident occurred in the same match that saw Xavi Simons sent off for a late, raking challenge on Virgil van Dijk’s calf.
Frank Leboeuf criticises Van de Ven
At the time, Van de Ven’s tackle drew little attention, appearing to be a routine attempt to block a shot. However, Isak immediately showed signs of pain, barely reacting to his goal before clutching his leg.
Replays later reveal
ed that the Tottenham defender had gone in with a scissor-like motion, making contact with Isak’s lower leg. The challenge has since been scrutinised more closely following confirmation of the severity of the injury.
Speaking to ESPN on Sunday, former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf said he admired Van de Ven as a player but insisted the defender should face consequences.
“I like the way Micky van de Ven plays and conducts himself on the pitch, but he has to be punished,” Leboeuf said. “You can’t walk away from a challenge that breaks someone’s leg. Defenders take risks, but you must remain in control. In this case, the outcome shows he wasn’t.”
Leboeuf added that, unfortunate or not, action must be taken and Van de Ven should not escape without punishment.
Ex-PGMOL chief gives verdict
Referee John Brooks took no action against Van de Ven after the goal, and VAR also raised no concerns. Liverpool players themselves were more focused on Isak’s wellbeing than appealing for a decision.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett offered a contrasting view, saying Van de Ven appeared to make a genuine attempt to play the ball. He explained that VAR would have reviewed the build-up to the goal and that both the referee and officials were satisfied no offence had occurred.
Hackett added that Liverpool’s only remaining option would be to pursue the matter through legal channels, though it remains unclear whether the club will choose to do so in the coming weeks.
