Liverpool fans’ concerns could be justified after audio from Virgil van Dijk’s red card incident during the match against Newcastle United was made public.
In the previous month, Liverpool faced Newcastle United at St. James’ Park. Following a 1-0 deficit, things took a turn for the worse for Jurgen Klopp’s team when Van Dijk received a straight red card for a tackle on Alexander Isak in the 28th minute.
Initially, Liverpool had hoped that their captain would only be suspended for one match, but now it appears he could face a more extended ban.
Last week, Van Dijk was charged by the FA for “abuse” directed towards the official, and audio from the incident has now been released.
An FA statement explained: “Virgil van Dijk has been charged with a breach of FA rule E3.1 following Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday, 27 August.”
During the Premier League’s new show, “Match Officials Mic’d Up,” fans had the opportunity to witness and hear the process leading to the decision to send Van Dijk off.
The Liverpool man was spotted saying “f***king joke” towards the referee after it was confirmed by VAR that the red card decision was correct.
As a result of the FA charge and the audio proof, Van Dijk is set to miss Liverpool’s next two matches, against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.
At the time, manager Klopp said: “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.”
Whilst former Premier League referee, Mike Dean, said: “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.”