Controversial Call: Did Referee Rob Liverpool's Van Dijk of a Red Card at Newcastle?

Did Van Dijk deserve straight red card at Newcastle?

INCIDENT: Dermot Gallagher analyzes the weekend's Premier League action, delving into the key moments such as Virgil van Dijk's straight red card for impeding Alexander Isak on the outskirts of the penalty box.

DERMOT SAYS: CORRECT DECISION

"I think it's a foul.

Does he have a clear opportunity to score a goal? Is he currently in possession of the ball? Absolutely.

Will he have an unobstructed path towards the goal? Once he gains possession of the ball, he will begin his advance towards the goal.

"Is he outside the penalty area? Yes, so the referee has to send him off.

"He gets the ball but he gets the man first, there's no doubt about that.

INCIDENT: There is no doubt that it's a foul. Virgil van Dijk engages in a verbal exchange with the referee after receiving a red card, expressing his frustration towards the fourth official, and subsequently making his way to the tunnel.

Could Liverpool captain receive further punishment?

DERMOT SAYS: WAIT FOR THE REFEREE'S REPORT

"It depends on what the referee reports.

Without question, he lingered on the field for an extended period.

"We must await the details the referee includes in his report, which is submitted to the FA, and then resolve any uncertainties."

Did ref get either Alexander-Arnold calls correct?

DERMOT'S VERDICT: REF FAILS TO SPOT GORDON FOUL - YET ALEXANDER-ARNOLD LUCKILY AVOIDS SECOND YELLOW

Alexander-Arnold was unfortunate as it was evident that Gordon committed a foul. The referee's failure to award the free-kick, despite the clear foul, ultimately caused the issue.

"Even if he'd thrown the ball on the pitch, his argument would be 'I've thrown it back to take the free-kick'.

"He was unlucky to get a yellow card there but very lucky to avoid a second one.

"It is without a doubt a clear second yellow card. The attack shows great promise, yet he shows no effort to engage with the ball. Additionally, there is ample space for him to advance into."

"Undoubtedly, it merits a yellow card."

Was McBurnie offside for Bogle's goal against Man City?

INCIDENT: Despite Oli McBurnie appearing to obstruct Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson, Jayden Bogle manages to score for Sheffield United.

DERMOT SAYS: The decision to allow the goal was correct. Kyle Walker was playing McBurnie onside.

"Oli McBurnie is not offside by law.

"If you look at Kyle Walker at the top of the pitch, he's playing him onside.

"Walker is beyond the goal. He goes off the pitch, decides to stop off the pitch and he plays McBurnie onside.

"Yes, Walker is active."

Should play have been stopped before Nketiah scored against Fulham?

INCIDENT: Despite Calvin Bassey lying prone in the penalty area, Eddie Nketiah scores Arsenal's second goal. The Gunners did not put the ball out of play after Bukayo Saka's challenge on the Fulham defender was not penalized.

DERMOT SAYS: ARSENAL HAD THE RIGHT TO CONTINUE PLAYING.

The teams were not required to stop the game due to a head injury or what the referee deemed as a significant injury. Consequently, the referee allowed play to continue. Play continued for an extended period, and both teams appeared unconcerned about stopping the game to put the ball out.

Did Worrall deny Fernandes goalscoring opportunity?

INCIDENTS: The referee awards Joe Worrall a straight red card after he brings down Bruno Fernandes on the edge of the penalty area, denying a clear goalscoring opportunity. However, much to the referee's dismay, the resulting play ends up in the back of the net, igniting a fervent debate.

DERMOT SAYS: CORRECT DECISION

"I think the right decision was reached here.

There is no doubt that it is a foul. Willy Boly doesn't seem to be able to reach the ball. The only questionable aspect is whether Bruno Fernandes can reach it.

We expect referees to make decisions on the field, and in this case, the referee has made a favorable decision.

Were Forest right to fume at Rashford penalty?

INCIDENT: Manchester United are awarded a penalty after Danilo clipped Marcus Rashford in the area.

DERMOT SAYS: RASHFORD IS CAUGHT - AND VAR WAS NEVER OVERTURNING REF'S DECISION

Once the referee gives it, there is little room for reversal as the contact is clearly made on the upper thigh. The immediate response of the referee confirms this decision.

This is in line with the directive given to referees, urging them to make proactive judgments during the game, with VAR intervention only when absolutely essential.

"The moment it was given on the field, I was convinced it would be a penalty."