Virgil van Dijk did not dress it up. Liverpool’s captain made the obvious point after Manchester City’s 3-0 win at Anfield, the noise aimed at the visitors was loud, hostile and impossible to ignore. His view was simple, this will not stop here.

City arrived on Merseyside for the first time since the verdict on their Premier League financial case, and the atmosphere reflected it. The home crowd made its feelings clear from the first whistle, with chants aimed directly at City over the findings against them. Van Dijk’s reading of the situation was straightforward. If supporters elsewhere feel the same way, City can expect more of the same.

He said: “I think everyone could hear it. Everyone can share their feelings and I don’t think Anfield will be the only place where it will be the case because fans will have their feelings. But for players I don’t think it is a good idea at this moment in time [to share their feelings].”

That last part matters. Van Dijk clearly has views on the case and on what it means, but he is waiting for the process to finish. City continue to deny wrongdoing and their appeal is still ongoing. For now, he is keeping his powder dry. Later, that may change.

The broader issue remains unresolved because the appeal has not yet run its course. That is why Van Dijk refused to go further publicly, even if he left little doubt he will speak once there is a final outcome. He said: “It’s still a little bit ongoing so I don’t think it’s smart for me to comment on it right now. But when the [appeal] verdict comes out I will definitely have my opinion and I will probably share it.”

There is a practical side to this. Players are usually careful when legal and regulatory matters are live. Clubs are careful too. Nobody wants unnecessary trouble. Van Dijk’s position is measured, but it also carries an edge. He is not neutral, he is simply waiting.

He was also asked whether the findings altered his view of City’s title battles with Liverpool. On that point, he drew a line. He said: “No. Because I really enjoyed our rivalry and it was a great rivalry on the pitch. What happened off the pitch is for others to find a conclusion on and then let’s see.”

The game itself turned on Ryan Gravenberch’s dismissal in the 62nd minute. Until then, Liverpool were still in it. After that, City took control and punished them quickly. Van Dijk was unhappy with the first booking and with what he saw as an inconsistent approach from the referee, Chris Kavanagh.