Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands' defensive stalwart, has departed the national camp in a fit of rage following a contentious red card during the 1-1 draw with Hungary on Friday night. The Liverpool man was given his marching orders by the referee after picking up two yellow cards in quick succession, an incident that has left many questioning the official's decision.
As the news began to spread, Liverpool fans took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration with the call, with several calling for the governing body to take action against the referee. The Dutch national team also expressed their discontent, questioning the validity of the yellow cards handed out to Van Dijk.
Van Dijk, who has been instrumental in the Netherlands' qualification campaign, was visibly upset as he left the pitch, and it seems his anger has only intensified since the final whistle blew. According to a source close to the player, Van Dijk feels hard done by and believes the referee's decision was unjust. As a result, he has decided to temporarily leave the national camp to cool off and reflect on the incident.
While the referee's decision may have been controversial, Van Dijk's reaction has also raised some eyebrows. The 32-year-old is known for his calm demeanor on the pitch, and it's unusual to see him react so passionately. However, given the circumstances, it's understandable that he would be upset. After all, the Netherlands' chances of qualifying for the tournament have been significantly hampered by Van Dijk's dismissal.
The incident has sparked a heated debate among football fans, with some arguing that Van Dijk's reaction was uncalled for, while others believe the referee's decision was the real issue. Regardless of one's opinion, it's clear that the red card has had a profound impact on the Netherlands' camp, and it remains to be seen how they will bounce back from this setback.
For Van Dijk, the road to redemption will not be easy. He will have to watch from the sidelines as his teammates take on their next opponents, and it's unclear when he will be able to return to the pitch. While his temporary departure from the national camp may be seen as a setback, it's also an opportunity for Van Dijk to recharge and refocus. After all, he is a player who thrives under pressure, and he will undoubtedly be eager to prove himself once again when the time comes.