Jordan Pickford to face no FA punishment over Virgil van Djik challenge in Merseyside derby
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford will not face any retrospective action for his challenge on Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, which left the defender needing surgery.
Van Dijk could well be out for the rest of the season having sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage following Pickford's dangerous challenge during Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park.
The challenge was seen by referee Michael Oliver and reviewed by the VAR, David Coote, but no card was shown as Van Dijk was offside in the build-up.
Under FA rules, retrospective action is not taken if incidents are seen by matchday officials during the game.
Following the announcement of his injury by Liverpool, Van Dijk released his own statement on social media.
“This afternoon I met with a leading consultant to start the process of planning the finer details of my rehabilitation following the incident yesterday,” said the former Southampton and Celtic defender.
“I’m now fully focused on my recovery and will do everything I can to be back as quickly as possible.
“Despite the obvious disappointment I’m a firm believer that within difficulty lies opportunity and with God’s help I’m going to make sure I return better, fitter and stronger than ever before.
“In football, as in life, I believe everything happens for a reason and it’s important to try and keep level headed whether going through the highs or the lows. With the support of my wife, kids, family and everyone at Liverpool, I’m ready for the challenge ahead.
“I’d like to thank everyone for the messages of support, it’s meant a huge amount to me and my family, and I’ll now be doing everything possible to support my team-mates in any way I can ahead of a big few weeks ahead as I take my own recovery day by day. I’ll be back.”
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