Virgil van Dijk could face further punishment by the Football Association after appearing to berate the referee’s decision to send him off on Sunday as a ‘f***ing joke’, which potentially falls into the category of improper conduct towards officials.
The Liverpool captain was shown a straight red card in the first half of Liverpool’s comeback win at Newcastle for a contentious challenge to deny Alexander Isak a goalscoring opportunity.
Darwin Nunez scored two off the bench to remarkably earn the 10-man Reds three points.
Van Dijk is set to be banned for one game but could face further action from the FA for pointing in referee John Brooks’ face, appearing to use foul language and originally refusing to walk off the field. Van Dijk also appeared to exchange strong words with fourth official Craig Pawson.
Former referee Mike Dean told Mail Sport: ‘Van Dijk disagreed as he unleashed a verbal volley on fourth official Craig Pawson, which was out of line.
Virgil van Dijk (middle) could face further disciplinary action after his sending off on Sunday
The Liverpool captain appeared to be furious after he was sent off against Newcastle
Depending on what is written in the referee’s report, Van Dijk may find himself in further trouble with the football authorities.’
Per FA guidelines, players can receive further punishment for ‘improper conduct’ such as abusive language.
Numerous players in the past have been given further matches to their original suspension for conduct towards officials after a red card, and the FA handbook states it will punish ‘confrontational’ behaviour.
