Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker look sad after Chelsea conceded a second goal against Chelsea FC following a VAR review in the FA Premier League before the target was rejected. and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge.
Virgil van Dijk has been fined £100,000 and banned for one match for his reaction to a red card at Newcastle and hopes the money will go to a “good cause”.
The Liverpool captain’s dismissal at Newcastle forced him to miss the win at Aston Villa, but his reaction sparked a new charge which earned him a further ban and fine.
Remarkably, his £100,000 fine is one of the worst ever handed down to a player in Premier League history.
Van Dijk explained that he fully accepted the decision after letting his frustration get the better of me, but he hopes the six-figure sum will go to a good cause. “It was a hard and expensive lesson,” Van Dijk told the media ahead of the Netherlands’ game against Ireland.
“I can’t really say more. I’ve accepted it and I’m glad it’s over.
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND -Sunday 27 August 2023:
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk walks off after being red carded and sent off during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park. . (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“I was punished for that and I don’t think I became an example of that. I hope the money goes to the right people. A good thing is always better.”
Not long ago, May in fact, Jurgen Klopp asked a similar question after being fined £75,000 for comments about referee Paul Tierney.
“As always, I would like to know where the money is going,” Klopp said. “If it’s for a good reason I’m happy to pay it. If the FA keep it I think it’s a bit harsh.
The FA state that they operate as a not-for-profit organization and all money from fines is invested back into English football at all levels. So Van Dijk has made a significant contribution with his six-figure fine, but it is interesting to note that he feels he has not been “made an example of”.
His comments to the referees and the punishment he deserved have been hotly debated since the incident, leaving many feeling that other players should not receive similar punishments in the same circumstances.
