Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk was sent off for a last-man foul on Alexander Isak in the Reds’ win over Newcastle after reacting to the referee and his assistant has now landed him in hot water.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been banned for one match and fined £100,000 for his furious reaction to Newcastle’s sending off.
The defender was sent off at St James’ Park last month for a last man foul on Magpies forward Alexander Isak. The red card resulted in an automatic one-match ban when it was not considered violent conduct.
That’s why he left the 3-0 win over Aston Villa at Anfield before the international break. However, the 32-year-old’s ban was extended for his reaction shortly after the dismissal when he angrily shouted at referee John Brooks, while he was also pictured disagreeing with fourth official Craig Pawson. A statement from the Swedish Football Association confirmed the Dutchman’s punishment on Friday. It read:
“Virgil van Dijk has been banned for one match and fined £100,000 for breaching FA Rule E3.1 during Liverpool’s Premier League match against Newcastle United on Sunday 27 August.
“The defender admitted that he behaved inappropriately and used insulting and abusive language towards the referee when he was sent off in the 29th minute, after which sanctions were imposed by the Independent Regulatory Commission. The full written reasons for this incident will be published in time. of course.”
Although his red card was a blow, Liverpool still managed to win against Newcastle thanks to two late strikes from Darwin Nunez, while the Reds easily dismissed Villa last week. The extended ban now means Liverpool will be without their captain for next weekend’s clash with Wolves at Molineux.
Meanwhile, the decision comes just hours after Van Dijk himself spoke about the incident at St James’ Park and admitted his reaction was out of character. Speaking about international duty with the Dutch national team, he said:
“It wasn’t typical for me, but it was a red card regardless.
“I’ve never had that at Liverpool and I think I’ve only had it about four times in my career. But other than that I’ve had a good start to the season.
”
I feel good and strong. I think it went well against Chelsea and Bournemouth. Despite the red card, it was a good start. I can’t wait to come back.”
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Van Dijk could start next for Liverpool in their Europa League group opener against LASK, while his next Premier League assignment sees him face in-form West Ham. Fellow defender Joel Matip replaced the Dutchman against Villa and Ibrahima Konate is still recovering from injury.
