Although Virgil van Dijk’s red card tackle against Newcastle only resulted in a one-match suspension, his response now may result in a longer suspension.
During the first half of Liverpool’s match against Newcastle, Van Dijk was sent for bringing down Alexander Isak as the last man.
As evidenced by his irate outburst to referee John Brooks, there was some disagreement as to whether the captain had actually won the ball first.
Van Dijk was heard telling Brooks in a lengthy diatribe against the official that his decision to refuse the leave field was a “fucking joke”
After explaining the situation to Jurgen Klopp on the touchline, the Dutchman was prompted to go back to the locker room by fourth official Craig Pawson.
Van Dijk screamed at Pawson, who had been trying to calm him down, “Don’t touch me.”
According to FA regulations, Van Dijk’s red card only called for a one-match suspension for obstructing a clear goal-scoring opportunity; but, the events that followed could result in a longer suspension.
Van Dijk is reportedly facing an additional one-match suspension as a result of his protests, according to ESPN and other sources.
Before making a decision, the FA will review Brooks’ post-game report, taking into account considerations like (1) using abusive or disrespectful words against an official and (2) failing to leave the field of play.
Although a choice has not yet been made, the FA should soon clarify any more accusations against Van Dijk.
