Liverpool’s esteemed defender and captain, Virgil van Dijk, finds himself facing additional consequences following his dismissal in the recent clash against Newcastle.
The star player was shown a red card for a last-man foul on Newcastle’s forward, Alexander Isak, during the Reds’ victorious outing. While the initial sending off carried an automatic one-match suspension, the aftermath of the incident has now earned Van Dijk an extended ban of one match, coupled with a hefty £100,000 fine.
Van Dijk’s suspension forced him to sit out Liverpool’s impressive 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Anfield just before the international break.
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The 32-year-old’s outburst towards referee John Brooks immediately following his red card, characterized by fervent shouting, as well as his visible disagreement with fourth official Craig Pawson, contributed to the decision to prolong his suspension.
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In a statement released by the Football Association on Friday, the disciplinary measures against the Dutchman were officially confirmed.
“Virgil van Dijk has been suspended for one match and fined £100,000 for breaching FA Rule E3.1 during Liverpool s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday 27 August.”
“The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission. Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.”
Despite the setback of Van Dijk’s red card, Liverpool displayed their resilience by securing a victory over Newcastle, courtesy of two late goals from Darwin Nunez. The Reds continued their winning streak by convincingly defeating Aston Villa the previous week.
However, the extended suspension now leaves Liverpool without their captain for their upcoming clash with Wolves at Molineux next weekend.
Coincidentally, the decision to extend Van Dijk’s ban was made shortly after the player himself publicly addressed the incident at St James’ Park.
While on international duty with the Dutch national team, he openly admitted that his reaction was uncharacteristic, saying: “That was not typical for me but that was the red card anyway.”
I’ve never got one before at Liverpool, and I think only about four times in my entire career. But apart from that I still started the season well.”
Virgil van Dijk’s potential return to action for Liverpool might occur in their Europa League group stage opener against LASK. Their subsequent Premier League fixture will see them face the in-form West Ham.
In the absence of Van Dijk, fellow defender Joel Matip deputized during the match against Aston Villa, while Ibrahima Konate continues his recovery from injury.
