Liverpool’s captain, Virgil van Dijk, has been handed an additional one-match suspension and fined £100,000 for using abusive and offensive language towards match officials following his red card during the match against Newcastle.
The Dutch defender received a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity by fouling Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. However, he was observed vocally disputing the decision with referee John Brookes and fourth official Craig Pawson.
Van Dijk’s remarks appeared to include labeling the decision as a ‘ridiculous’ one, and he delayed leaving the field at St James’ Park. He continued to express his frustration as he made his way down the tunnel.
As a result of this behavior, he missed Liverpool’s victory against Aston Villa and will now face an additional suspension for their upcoming match against Wolves.
Van Dijk was subsequently charged with improper conduct and has now been given an extra ban of one more game, along with a £100,000 fine.
In an FA statement released on Friday, it was stated: ‘The defender admitted to behaving improperly and using abusive and offensive language towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute. These sanctions were imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission, and comprehensive written reasons for this case will be provided in due course.’
