Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was reportedly furious after Chelsea striker Emmanuel Emegha barged into him during their Carabao Cup encounter at Anfield on Wednesday night.

According to a report by Metro on Thursday, 29 October 2026, lip-reading expert Nicola Hickling analysed Van Dijk's conversation with referee Darren England following the incident and revealed the message the Liverpool defender allegedly delivered.

The incident occurred during the fourth-round tie, which finished 1-1 after 90 minutes before Liverpool defeated Chelsea 7-6 on penalties to secure a place in the quarter-finals.

Emegha, who came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, collided with Van Dijk just two minutes after entering the game. The Chelsea forward appeared to charge into the Netherlands international off the ball, sending him to the ground.

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith, speaking during Sky Sports' coverage, described the incident as unusual.

"He just carried on [running], very strange from the substitute, Van Dijk had something to say about that afterwards," Smith said.

Referee England did not punish Emegha for the challenge, but Van Dijk subsequently approached the official to express his displeasure.

According to Hickling's analysis, Van Dijk told the referee: "No, no, no. I am done with him and anything to do with football. He better give up."

The Liverpool captain was substituted shortly after the exchange, with Jeremy Jacquet replacing him.

The encounter ultimately ended in disappointment for Chelsea, who were eliminated after a dramatic penalty shootout.

Valentin Barco and Kostas Tsimikas missed their attempts, while Ryan Gravenberch and Emegha also had their penalties saved.

Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana then sent his effort over the crossbar, allowing Liverpool to progress to the last eight, where they will face Bournemouth.

Emegha joined Chelsea from Strasbourg in a €25 million (£21 million) deal during the summer. The 23-year-old previously scored 31 goals in 78 appearances for the French club.

His start to life at Stamford Bridge was delayed by a hamstring injury sustained in July, with his appearance against Liverpool marking his official debut for the Blues.

With Joao Pedro sidelined, Emegha could now compete for a starting role ahead of Chelsea's Premier League meeting with Manchester United on Saturday.