Carlo Ancelotti stands up for Jordan Pickford in wake of Virgil van Dijk injury

'It can happen. He arrived a little bit later but his intention was to try to catch the ball'

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed suggestions Jordan Pickford’s tackle on Virgil Van Dijk was pre-meditated. Picture: Laurence Griffiths/PA

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti insists suggestions goalkeeper Jordan Pickford’s reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk was pre-meditated are “not fair”.

The England number one has come in for criticism from all sides, with Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum continuing the attack earlier this week by suggesting the goalkeeper was “stupid” and made the challenge without concern for the player’s welfare.