Virgil van Dijk and James Milner send messages to fans after Napoli defeat

Liverpool started the Champions League title defense with a harsh defeat at Sao Paolo stadium, Naples. Napoli, like last season, were stronger than the Merseyside club. Italian side scored two late goals to secure an important victory. Dries Mertens opened the scoresheet after controversial penalty decision, while Fernando Llorente added the second in stoppage time. Van Dijk wrote on twitter: "Difficult night last night and disappointing result but we must put it behind us and now it’s about how we react. It’s time to stand up, be positive and focus on putting in a big performance against Chelsea. Thanks to all of the travelling reds who came out to support us #LFC" https://twitter.com/VirgilvDijk/status/1174235799157710850 Milner also reacted to the defeat and wrote: "Not the start we wanted - but there’s a long way to go in the group #YNWA" https://twitter.com/JamesMilner/status/1174236873096671232 Liverpool will return to action this weekend, as Jurgen Klopp will face Chelsea and Frank Lampard for the second time this season.

Former Premier League referee delivers verdict on Napoli’s controversial penalty