---
title: "Liverpool fans react to ex-Arsenal star’s comments on Pickford tackle"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/liverpool-fans-react-to-ex-arsenal-stars-comments-on-pickford-tackle/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Articles"
published: "2020-10-26T08:30:28Z"
modified: "2020-10-26T08:30:28Z"
---

# Liverpool fans react to ex-Arsenal star’s comments on Pickford tackle

Some Liverpool fans have been reacting to Perry Groves’ comments about Jordan Pickford.

The whole of last week [was dominated](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/10/20/journalist-claims-pickford-should-be-suspended-until-van-dijk-returns/) by the drama that occurred in the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park on October 17th.

It was a match that saw numerous decisions go against Liverpool, with Jurgen Klopp’s side returning home feeling a deep sense of injustice.

The biggest talking point was Pickford’s awful challenge on Virgil van Dijk – one that saw the Dutchman suffer a [cruciate ligament injury](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2020/10/18/van-dijk-ruled-out-for-months-with-cruciate-ligament-injury/) and be ruled out for many months.

There was a divide between football fans over whether or not the Everton goalkeeper had gone out to hurt Van Dijk in the tackle, or if it was just a reckless-but-innocent piece of behaviour.

Someone who fully believes it was the former is former Arsenal man Groves, who admitted himself that he once deliberately tried to hurt Graham Roberts in a game against Chelsea.

Speaking on *[talkSPORT](https://talksport.com/football/778281/pickford-van-dijk-intended-everton-liverpool-groves-arsenal-tottenham-roberts/)*, Groves said Pickford wanted to inflict pain on Van Dijk and “went for the player”, also adding that “it’s the same with Richarlison on Thiago.”

It is sure to be a debate that rumbles on, but the hope is that Van Dijk makes a full recovery eventually, returning to the Liverpool team as good as ever.

These Reds supporters have been reacting to Groves’ comments on Twitter, providing a mix of opinions.

> Thank you Perry Groves for been one of the few honest pundits to tell it like it is. He meant it and all Liverpool fans knew it.
>
> — AL48 (@AL48C) [October 25, 2020](https://twitter.com/AL48C/status/1320451076617887744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/scully\_nigel/status/1320292231601860608?s=20

> 100% he did. Hes not even apologised.
>
> — Nigel Hudson (@Nigel\_Hudson1) [October 26, 2020](https://twitter.com/Nigel_Hudson1/status/1320625760584028160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Disgraceful tackle should be banned for rest of the season
>
> — CaptainHENDO (@CaptainHender) [October 26, 2020](https://twitter.com/CaptainHender/status/1320606659518103554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Keane certainly went out to injure Haaland
>
> — Craig (@liverpoolred70) [October 24, 2020](https://twitter.com/liverpoolred70/status/1319920043040309250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Agree totally.. This was a revenge tackle!
>
> — The Fallen Footballer (@TheFallenFootb1) [October 24, 2020](https://twitter.com/TheFallenFootb1/status/1319898594082721792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)