Isak’s Injury Stirs Derby Debate: Frank Defends Van de Ven, Slot Sees Red

Derby clash sparks managerial clash over Van de Ven's challenge

Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank responded to Liverpool boss Arne Slot's remarks about the collision that left Liverpool forward Alexander Isak with a leg fracture in the 2-1 win last weekend. Isak was injured after clashing with Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, who had just opened the scoring, and was substituted and operated on yesterday, ruling him out for a long spell.

Slot criticized the challenge in a press conference, describing it as more dangerous than the red card shown to a player in the same game for a tackle on Virgil van Dijk. Frank fired back: ‘Of course, I completely disagree. We’re talking about a defender giving his all to stop a goal. He was sprinting back, and the ball was played to the side; he tried with everything to block the shot.’

He added: ‘Unfortunately, his foot got in the way, which is a natural reaction for any defender.’

Frank also said he would have changed his mind about van de Ven if he hadn’t gone in for the challenge, saying: ‘If he hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t call him a real defender.’ He stressed that there’s no intent to injure: ‘I don’t see any reckless challenge at all. Micky is usually fair and highly competitive. Both players settled it on the pitch, which is a positive sign.’

Slot, however, described the challenge as reckless. ‘For me, it was reckless. If you repeat that ten times, there’s a real chance someone could be seriously injured.’

In the same vein, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher argued on Sky Sports that the incident did not deserve a red card: ‘I don’t see Van de Ven doing anything unusual for a footballer; it was late, but not a red. Timing errors are common, and the decision should not hinge on location on the pitch.’

The disagreement comes as Isak's absence leaves Liverpool with attacking concerns and fuels chatter about possible winter additions to replace him.

Punchlines: If football had stricter rules on hot takes, the managers would need a referee for their post-match pressers. And maybe a door to a comedy club, because the sport could use a good laugh after all this drama.