'Out of control' - should Van de Ven have seen red for Isak challenge?

Ref Watch: 'Micky Van de Ven is out of control' - should Spurs defender have seen red for Alexander Isak challenge? Alexander Isak scored the opener in the 2-1 win against Spurs on Saturday but was unable to continue after being caught late by Micky van de Ven's challenge; Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher and Jay Bothroyd debated the challenge and whether it should have been a red card Image:Isak opens the scoring but is caught late by Van de Ven's challenge Image:Isak goes down injured against Spurs Monday 22 December 2025 12:48, UK Alexander Isak is facing the prospect of a long spell on the sidelines with scans expected to confirm he has a broken leg, but should Spurs defender Mick van de Ven have been punished for the challenge that seriously injured the Liverpool striker? Liverpool and Isak are still awaiting results of an MRI scan on the injury that was suffered when he was caught late by a sliding challenge from Van de Ven after scoring the opener in his side's 2-1 win at Tottenham. A stretcher was brought onto the pitch but Isak eventually left the field with the help of Liverpool's medical staff. But how bad was the challenge from Van de Ven, who was trying to stop Isak from scoring? Former Premier League striker Jay Bothroyd explained on Ref Watch why he thought Van de Ven's challenge was worthy of a red card. Transfer Centre LIVE! | Liverpool news & transfers 🔴 Liverpool fixtures & scores | FREE Liverpool PL highlights ▶️ Got Sky? Watch Liverpool games LIVE on your phone 📱 Not got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract on NOW 📺 🔔 Choose the Sky Sports push notifications you want! 'He's out of control' "Van de Ven has not intentionally tried to hurt Isak. Obviously he is desperate to stop a goal and he's coming across to block the shot, not hit the player. "But this is an example that, yes, Isak has scored, but it should still be a red card. "He's lunging, he's going into him. Every explanation that you want to give for a red card challenge is there, but because he's scored, they've let it go. "He's lunged into his leg. He's out of control. He's trying to make a block but he's never going to get there. The shot has gone before Van de Ven has even arrived with the challenge. If that's in the middle of the park, that's a red card. "He's lunged out of control. He's broken his leg. Surely that tells you there's force there. "It's a dangerous challenge and because of it, a player has broken his leg." 'Astonished if that is given as a red card' In response to Bothroyd's views on the red card, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher disagreed, suggesting Van de Ven did what any other footballer would have done in the heat of the moment in a game trying to stop a...

Preview: ~500 words