‘I was on the point of doing something crazy’ – Liverpool legend admits VAR would have changed history in Everton clash

LIVERPOOL icon Dirk Kuyt has admitted his infamous Merseyside derby tackle was “crazy” and he should have been sent off.

The shocking challenge was made during an ill-tempered fixture in 2007.

Sky Sports

Dirk Kuyt avoided a red card for a reckless tackle on Phil Neville[/caption]

PA:Press Association

Kuyt then stepped up and scored a late winner from the spot[/caption]

Liverpool beat Everton 2-1 as David Moyes’ side went down to nine-men after red cards to Tony Hibbert and Phil Neville.

Kuyt scored both goals for the Reds, including a dramatic 92nd minute penalty to win it.

The strike was highly controversial as the Dutchman somehow escaped an early bath for a reckless and wild lunge on Neville.

Kuyt went in two-footed above the Everton skipper’s knee but was given just a yellow by referee Mark Clattenburg.

Opening up on the moment, Kuyt told The Telegraph: “I was very lucky to come away from that because if I had a red card, I would not have managed to score the winning goal.

“It’s crazy when you play these kinds of games because there’s a lot of adrenaline, a lot of emotion.

“I flew through the air and thank God there was no VAR there at the time.

“When I was in the air, I knew I was way too late and I was on the point of doing something crazy.

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“I tried to hold my legs inside me just to be lucky not to touch him. I think I was very lucky not to get the red card.”

Liverpool face Everton tonight and tempers could flare again after a huge bust-up at the end of their 2-2 thriller just seven weeks ago.

Kuyt, 44, is currently the manager of Belgian side Beerschot and it is his “dream” to one day fill Arne Slot’s shoes as Liverpool boss.

AFP

Kuyt is now manager of Belgian outfit Beerschot[/caption]