Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has faced additional disciplinary action, including a one-match suspension and a £100,000 fine, after he admitted to behaving improperly following his red card during a recent match against Newcastle United. The incident occurred when the defender was sent off in the 28th minute for a foul on Alexander Isak. As a result of the suspension, van Dijk was ineligible to play against Aston Villa on September 3rd and will also miss the match against Wolves on September 16th.
Van Dijk’s behavior drew attention as he appeared to engage in heated exchanges with referee John Brooks and the fourth official before leaving the field at St James’ Park. The Football Association (FA) issued a statement regarding the incident, stating that the defender had confessed to acting inappropriately and using abusive and insulting language towards a match official after receiving the red card.
Van Dijk Accepts Responsibility and Offers Apology
Virgil van Dijk took to Instagram to express his acceptance of the disciplinary panel’s decision. In his statement, he acknowledged his error, attributing it to the intense and heated nature of the moment. The Liverpool captain also mentioned that this red card marked his first such incident in his Liverpool career. He emphasized that he had immediately apologized to the match officials and fully assumed responsibility for his actions.
Referees’ Chief Supports Decision and Explains the Incident
Howard Webb, the chief of referees, voiced his determination to ensure that officials would not overlook misconduct from players and coaches in the current season. Speaking on the program “Match Officials: Mic’d Up,” Webb supported the decision made by referee John Brooks to dismiss Van Dijk. Webb explained that the foul, although involving van Dijk playing the ball, also included a clear kick through Alexander Isak’s foot, leading to both a free-kick and the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity. In such circumstances, Webb stated that sending off the player was the appropriate action, and the VAR review confirmed this decision.
The incident occurred just three minutes after Liverpool conceded Anthony Gordon’s opening goal and while the team was under pressure in the match. The game ultimately ended with Uruguay striker Darwin Nunez coming off the bench to score two late goals, securing a 2-1 victory for Liverpool.
