Virgil van Dijk sends strong message to Emmanuel Emegha after needless push

Virgil van Dijk led Liverpool out as usual as they beat Chelsea on penalties in the Carabao Cup.

In what turned out to be an entertaining game of football at Anfield, goals from Morgan Rogers and Cody Gakpo meant the tie had to be settled on penalties.

In sudden death, Wesley Fofana skied his spotkick, which led to Liverpool booking their place in the quarterfinals.

The game had many talking points, but Chelsea striker Emmanuel Emegha took centre stage on his debut as he missed his penalty and needlessly pushed Van Dijk to the floor in the second half.

When asked about the incident, the Liverpool skipper gave the perfect response.

Virgil van Dijk responds to Emmanuel Emegha push

“Ask him. I don’t know,” said van Dijk via the Liverpool Echo.

“Maybe he’s trying to get into the national team as well and trying this way. I don’t know. You have to ask him. When he comes by, just ask him.”

Virgil van Dijk on being shoved to the ground off the ball by Emanuel Emegha:

“Ask him. I don’t know.

“Maybe he’s trying to get into the national team as well and trying this way. I don’t know. You have to ask him. When he comes by, just ask him.” 😂

[@ptgorst] #LFC pic.twitter.com/FlTmSAKlNf

— AS (@Anfield_Sector) October 29, 2026

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Honestly, Emegha’s push seemed a little childish as the ball had long been played, so there was no need to get involved.

Let’s just say the youngster should be relieved Van Dijk came out unscathed and decided not to lash out.