Aleksandar Mitrovic accused of DIVING to win penalty against Virgil van Dijk as Fulham stun Liverpool in Premier League opener
Mitrovic #Mitrovic
Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic was accused of diving in a clash with Virgil van Dijk to win a penalty against Liverpool.
The Cottagers stunned the Reds at Craven Cottage in their Premier League opener, and while Liverpool came back to draw 2-2, there was controversy surrounding the hosts’ second goal.
Getty
Mitrovic was accused of diving in his clash with Van Dijk
Prolific in the Championship, there have been major doubts over Mitrovic on this return to Premier League football having previously struggled to perform in the top flight.
He answered those doubts in perfect style with two goals as Fulham stunned Jurgen Klopp’s side with a high-energy display, but there will be questions asked over his second strike from the spot.
Collecting the ball outside the box, Mitrovic dribbled into the area looking to take on Van Dijk, and left the referee immediately pointing to the spot as he went to ground.
Initially, it appeared Van Dijk had kicked the ball away from the defender, with the defender waving his arms to tell the striker to get back up.
Replays told a different story, though, as the Dutchman didn’t actually touch the ball.
Whether or not there was conduct was also up for debate and talkSPORT pundit Andy Townsend was in no doubt – Mitrovic dived.
Getty
Mitrovic took on Van Dijk and won a penalty for Fulham
Getty
Van Dijk argued with the referee, but the decision was made
RUMBLED Van Dijk sees TWO Premier League records slip away as Mitrovic wreaks havoc
TALKS Man United want ex-City ace and Dutch player of the year as Ten Hag ends Antony chase
TROUBLE Ex-Arsenal rebel Guendouzi in ‘lively’ bust-up with Marseille boss at half-time
MATCHDAY Spurs v Southampton LIVE: Richarlison banned but Kane boasts lethal Saints record
GAMEDAY Fulham v Liverpool LIVE: Salah snatches point for Reds after Mitrovic double
FORECAST Jake Paul predicts Premier League 2022/23 table with a very interesting top four
“I saw Van Dijk say to the referee, ‘no chance’ and it looked like Mitrovic went down a little easily, for me,” Townsend said from the commentary box at Craven Cottage.
“Does he offer out a leg towards Van Dijk? I’m not sure he touches him, but either way it’s not good defending.
“I didn’t see a lot of contact and if there’s no contract you can’t give it.
“It looks like a dive to me. He hasn’t touched him.
“The referee has got to have a look at the monitor there. If there is serious doubt over whether that was a penalty, he simply has to look at the monitor.
“It’s a contentious pen, I didn’t see a lot of contact.
AFP
Mitrovic was hailed for his two-goal performance against Liverpool
“I’d love to hear the talk between the refs. We should be capable of that. Nobody in this ground had a clue what was happening, so we should be doing it.”
Townsend was full of praise for Mitrovic’s performance, though and said he deserved his two goals, no matter how contentious the penalty was.
“However, I think Mitrovic has played really well today,” he added.
“He’s not going to win a footrace with the likes of Van Dijk, but he’s played his own game perfectly.
“He’s led the line well, held it up, his first headed goal was fantastic, and he ghosted into the area with the ball at his feet for that penalty.
“It’ll be interesting to see what he can do for Fulham this season. He’s been outstanding, he really has.”
However, not everyone agreed with Townsend, as former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor tweeted he thought it was definitely a penalty, adding he thought the Reds were still on holiday.
Offers Of The Weekend
Paddy Power: Bet £5 via the talkSPORT EDGE app with Paddy Power and get a £5 free bet – available to all customers* – CLAIM HERE
Sky Bet: 50/1 for a shot on target in West Ham v Man City – CLAIM HERE
Paddy Power: Place a £5 Sportsbook Bet through the talkSPORT EDGE app between the 1st and 31st August. Get a £5 free bet on the next Monday after your qualifying bet. T&C’s apply. 18+ Begambleaware.org
Sky Bet: NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY. MIN/MAX STAKE £1. FREE BETS CREDITED ON TOP OF WINNINGS. FREE BETS CREDITED WITHIN 72 HOURS. 5 X £10 BET TOKEN. FREE BET STAKES NOT INCLUDED IN RETURNS. FREE BETS CANNOT BE USED ON VIRTUALS. FREE BETS ARE NON WITHDRAWABLE. NO FREE BET EXPIRY. ELIGIBILITY RESTRICTIONS AND FURTHER T&CS APPLY.
SEE MORE FREE BET OFFERS HERE