VIRGIL VAN DIJK is facing an extended ban after being sent off in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at Newcastle.
The Anfield captain was shown a straight red card in the 28th minute after bringing down Alexander Isak.
Virgil van Dijk faces an extended ban after his red card at NewcastleCredit: Reuters
The Liverpool skipper reacted furiously to the decision in his side’s 2-1 winCredit: Reuters
Van Dijk was only set to serve a one-game suspension as his challenge wasn’t violent, with the defender deemed to have denied a goal-scoring opportunity,
But his ban could now be increased by an additional game due to his reaction at St James’ Park.
Van Dijk was left incensed when ref John Brooks showed him the red card.
It took several minutes for the Dutchman to leave the pitch as he gave Brooks an earful, appearing to call the decision a “f***ing joke”.
He then remonstrated with fourth official Stuart Attwell by the tunnel.
And Van Dijk’s furious actions have landed him in more hot water.
The FA have now charged him with a breach of FA Rule E3.1.
It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.
Van Dijk will already miss the coming weekend’s home clash with Aston Villa.
But should he be found guilty, he could also miss the clash with Wolves after the international break, at least.
Despite being a goal down when Van Dijk’s red card arrived, Liverpool held strong against Newcastle to record a famous comeback win.
Super sub Darwin Nunez climbed off the bench to fire home a clinical finish in the 81st minute.
And he netted an almost-identical goal in the 93rd minute to seal a huge victory for Jurgen Klopp’s visitors.
