Staff Reporter.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been suspended for an extra match and fined £100,000 for acting in an “improper manner” after being sent off in his side’s win at Newcastle.
The defender was sent off in the 28th minute for fouling Alexander Isak.
Van Dijk appeared to remonstrate with referee John Brooks prior to walking off the pitch.
He was suspended against Aston Villa on 3 September and will now be unavailable to face Wolves on 16 September.
“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,” said an FA statement.
Referees’ chief Howard Webb has said he is “determined” officials would not “turn a blind eye” to bad behaviour from players and coaches this season.
Webb, speaking on Match Officials: Mic’d Up, backed the decision of Brooks to dismiss Van Dijk.
“We think it’s a good identification of a foul by John Brooks the referee,” said Webb.
“We see Virgil van Dijk does play the ball, but to get there he clearly kicks through the foot of Alexander Isak.
“It’s not only a free-kick but it also denies Isak an obvious goalscoring opportunity. He has to be sent off in this circumstance and the VAR checks it.”
The incident occurred three minutes after Liverpool went behind to Anthony Gordon’s opening goal and with the visitors under pressure in the game.
Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score twice late on and hand Liverpool a 2-1 victory.
Compiled by Lehlohonolo Lehana.