Controversial Victory: Bergvall's Late Winner Sparks Debate Over Referee's Decision

Swedish teenager Lucas Bergvall made a stunning impact for Tottenham Hotspur by scoring the winner in Wednesday's League Cup semi-final first leg. However, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk believes Bergvall should not have been on the pitch.
The 18-year-old received his first booking in the 68th minute and avoided a second yellow card for a mistimed tackle on Kostas Tsimikas just before netting a 1-0 victory for Spurs.

Liverpool were outraged, especially since Tsimikas was still off the field when Bergvall struck his shot past Alisson.

"I think it was quite obvious he should have received a second yellow," Van Dijk stated. "It was clear, and then a minute later he scores the winner. It is what it is; the referee made a mistake, in my opinion, and I told him that."
"Everyone on the sidelines knew it was a yellow card. There’s a linesman, a fourth official, VAR, and the referee, yet he doesn’t get a second yellow.

"I'm not saying this is why we lost, but it was a significant moment in the game."

Liverpool's defeat marked only their second loss since manager Arne Slot took over, ending a 24-match unbeaten streak across all competitions. However, they still have the second leg at Anfield next month to rectify the situation.
While gracious in defeat, Slot echoed Van Dijk's sentiment that Bergvall should have been sent off.

"The referee’s decision significantly impacted tonight's result. There’s not much more I can say," the Dutchman remarked. "The fourth official explained why he thought it wasn’t a second yellow, likely based on the referee’s input.
"I never like to lose, but if you must lose, it’s better to do so when you still have a second leg to play."