RIO FERDINAND left fans baffled during the Merseyside derby – by obsessing over Virgil van Dijk’s flowing locks.
The ex-England defender, 46, joined the TNT Sports commentary crew for the big game at Goodison Park.
AlamyRio Ferdinand’s bizarre moment on commentary baffled TNT viewers[/caption]
ReutersThe ex-England defender singled out Virgil van Dijk and his hair[/caption]
AlamyFerdinand wanted Everton striker Beto to make life harder for the Liverpool skipper[/caption]
Ferdinand was alongside Ally McCoist and Darren Fletcher in the TV gantry on co-comms duty.
The 46-year-old urged Everton forward Beto to get more aggressive on Liverpool skipper Van Dijk during a thrilling first half.
Van Dijk sported his usual locks, gelling back his long hair into a bun.
But Ferdinand indicated he wanted Beto to “ruffle him up” and get more involved in a physical battle.
The former Man Utd defender then bizarrely said: “I don’t want Van Dijk’s hair all pristine and nicely gelled.
“I want it ruffled and over his face.”
Ferdinand would go on to mention the Dutchman’s hair again before the half-time whistle – prompting a flood of comments on social media.
One fan responded on X: “Rio’s obsession with Virgil’s hair is concerning.”
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Another said: “The main thing I’ve learnt so far is that Rio Ferdinand has a weird obsession with Van Dijk’s hair.”
While a third joked: “Can you sack Rio Ferdinand mid game please lads? If he mentions Van Dijk’s hair one more time I’ll scream.”
A fourth laughed: “This has to be the weirdest commentary ever.”
And a fifth drily added: “And people say punditry is dead?”
On the field, it was a feisty affair at Goodison during a frantic first 45 minutes.
Beto put the Toffees into an early lead, finishing brilliantly after Liverpool fell asleep at a freekick.
But a teasing Mo Salah cross was headed in by Alexis Macallister to level the scores at the break.
Referee Michael Oliver was kept busy as both sides launched themselves into tackles.
There were five bookings in the first half alone as tempers flared under the lights.
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