Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is recovering well after choking on a sour grape, Paddy Power News can exclusively reveal.
The Dutchman got the bitter fruit stuck in his esophagus during a post-match interview in which he criticised Manchester United’s overly defensive display at Anfield.
SALZBURG, AUSTRIA – DECEMBER 10: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts during the UEFA Champions League group E match between RB Salzburg and Liverpool FC at Red Bull Arena on December 10, 2019 in Salzburg, Austria. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp immediately rushed to the defender’s aid and performed the Heimlich manoeuvre in a bid to dislodge the foreign object.
The 32-year-old was then rushed to A&E where doctors were able to remove about 90% of the grape from his throat after complicated 7-hour procedure.
A statement on the club’s official website read:
‘We are delighted to report that club captain Virgil van Dijk is recovering well after choking on a sour grape following yesterday’s 0-0 draw with Manchester United’.
‘Everyone at the club wishes Virgil all the best and we hope to see him giving salty post-match interviews in the very near future’.
It’s understood Elton John will sing a rendition of Candle in the Wind before Liverpool’s home game with Arsenal in tribute to the Reds skipper.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have received a huge parking fine after they left their team bus on the Anfield pitch during yesterday’s 0-0 draw with rivals Liverpool.
A parking warden was spotted placing a fixed penalty notice beneath the bus’s window wipers at the half-time interval.
CCTV footage appears to show United boss Erik ten Hag reversing the bus in front of United’s goal shortly before kick-off.
United have refused to comment on the situation but club sources told Paddy Power News:
‘We circled the Anfield car park several times but we couldn’t find a spot, so Erik took charge of the wheel and parked the bus on the pitch’.
‘When Erik tried to explain the car park was full and he’d only left the bus on the pitch for about 90 odd minutes but the warden was having none of it’.
‘On the plus side, Richard Arnold said the fine wouldn’t be a problem because the club has saved a fortune on goal scoring bonuses this season’.
*Paddy Power’s football coverage is pure fantasy – don’t believe it for a second
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