The actions of Virgil Van Dijk in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United has aggravated further punishments from the English Football Association (FA).
Virgil Van Dijk has been charged by the FA for conducting himself in an “improper manner” after he was handed a red card in the 28th minute of the Reds’ win over Eddie Howe’s side.
The Netherlands international was sent off for a foul on Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak.
Virgil Van Dijk looked to have had a back-and-forth with center referee John Brooks while the foul was being examined by VAR.
The English Football Association have deemed the alleged comments made by Van Dijk as being “abusive and or insulting” and he would face further retribution.
Why is Van Dijk being punished by English FA?
The English FA said in a statement that the former Celtic defender improperly conducted himself “and/or used” disparaging “words towards a match official” after he was red-carded in the game.
The 32-year-old has featured in all the games played by Liverpool this campaign, playing the entire 90 minutes against Chelsea and Bournemouth.
Virgil Van Dijk argues with fourth official after receiving red card against Newcastle United
Virgil Van Dijk was also seen arguing with the fourth official as he exited the pitch after receiving the red card.
The defender has until Friday, September 1, to provide his response on the charge, as he might face a lengthy time out of action.
Anyway, the red card received by the center-back on Sunday will see him serve a one-match ban, meaning he won’t feature in Liverpool’s next game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
This punishment is coming due to the efforts put in place by referees’ chief Howard Webb to clamp down on bad behavior.
Many players and coaches have been punished in recent weeks for their mannerisms, remonstration, and conduct, as referees intend to send a message to officials to avoid improper acts.
Liverpool in impressive form!
Meanwhile, Liverpool moved to 4th on the Premier League table following their 2-1 victory over Newcastle United on Sunday, August 27, 2023, and they remain unbeaten after three games.
Jurgen Klopp’s side began the season with a 1-1 draw with Chelsea, before defeating Bournemouth by 3-1.
The Reds are two points behind fiercest rival Manchester City and many have tipped them to be the team that would give the Citizens a run for their money.
They welcome Unai Emery’s Aston Villa on Sunday, September 3, 2023, and that game promises to be a keenly contested affair.
The Villans have turned their fortunes around, having had a horrendous start to the Premier League campaign.
Unai Emery’s side lost embarrassingly by 5-1 to Newcastle United in their opening game of the season, however, they have comfortably picked up three wins in three after that.
Aston Villa defeated Everton by 4-0, before smashing Hibernian by 5-0 in the European Conference League qualification round.
On Sunday, August 27, 2023, Unai Emery’s side also comprehensively thrashed Burnley by 3-1.
