Reportedly, Virgil van Dijk is facing charges from the FA due to his reaction after receiving a red card during the match against Newcastle over the weekend.
The Dutch defender was handed a red card by referee John Brooks in the first half of Liverpool’s game at St James’ Park. This decision came after he brought down Alexander Isak outside the penalty area.
The referee deemed that Van Dijk’s challenge denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity by impeding the progress of the Magpies’ forward to gain possession of the ball.
The 32-year-old exhibited visible frustration at the decision, and his discontent escalated when the VAR review did not lead to a reversal. He expressed his anger towards referee Brooks and continued to voice his protests from the sidelines.
ESPN journalist Mark Ogdenhas since claimed that he will be charged for his behaviour, which was allegedly deemed ‘abusive’ by the FA.
He tweeted: “Van Dijk charged by FA after he allegedly ‘acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute’ at Newcastle.”
Van Dijk charged by FA after he allegedly ‘acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute’ at Newcastle
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) August 29, 2023
Indeed, Van Dijk could be heard shouting expletives in the direction of Brooks and reportedly labelled the decision a “f***ing joke”, with his manager needing to calm him down.
The former Southampton defender was initially handed a one-match ban, as is the protocol for a red card offence in the Premier League. However, the possibility has been raised that the Dutchman could be handed a larger ban, especially following the latest reports.
Former referee Mike Dean also reckons Van Dijk could be in “further trouble” for his reaction to the decision.
He told theDaily Mail: “Van Dijk disagreed as he unleashed a verbal volley on fourth official Craig Pawson, which was out of line.
“Depending on what is written in the referee’s report, Van Dijk may find himself in further trouble with the football authorities.”
While Jurgen Klopp sided with his captain, stating in a press conference after the game: “I don’t think it is a red card. It’s pretty much no contact, very little, and it’s on the way to the ball, but what can I say? The decision is like this, I cannot change it and I don’t want it.”