Van Dijk Faces the Possibility of an Extended Suspension After His Red Card
Virgil van Dijk faces potential repercussions from the Football Association in the wake of a contentious red card during Liverpool’s clash with Newcastle United last Sunday.
The Dutch defender received a straight red card in the 28th minute for a disputed challenge on Alexander Isak, preventing a goal-scoring opportunity for Newcastle’s Swedish striker. This expulsion left Liverpool, who had already conceded the opening goal of the match, with a significant challenge to overcome at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon had initially given Newcastle the lead after a mistake by Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite Van Dijk’s dismissal making the home side favorites, two late goals from substitute Darwin Nunez unexpectedly turned the game around, securing three points for Jurgen Klopp’s jubilant squad.
Regarding Van Dijk’s first-half red card, Klopp was quoted by Liverpool’s official website as saying, “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. It’s just, would I give this in a training game? Definitely not. There are reasons why I am not a ref and they are.”
As things stand, Van Dijk is slated to miss only Liverpool’s home fixture against Aston Villa on September 3 due to the non-violent nature of his sending-off. Players dismissed for violent conduct typically serve a three-match suspension, while those sent off for dissent face a two-match ban.
However, according to reports from the Daily Mail, Van Dijk’s use of strong language directed at referee John Brooks, allegedly calling the decision a “f***ing joke,” may lead to additional trouble with the FA. This comment could potentially fall under the category of improper conduct toward match officials.
Van Dijk, visibly upset by Brooks’ decision, did not leave the pitch quietly and expressed his displeasure to the referee. He also exchanged heated words with fourth official Craig Pawson before heading toward the away dressing room.
Former referee Mike Dean, who made headlines for his comments about a Premier League game he worked on as VAR last season, told the Daily 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.”
Van Dijk took over as Liverpool’s new permanent captain in the summer after Jordan Henderson’s departure to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. Klopp is eager to have the influential center-back available for Liverpool’s first game after the international break, scheduled against Wolves on September 16. However, there’s now a possibility that the 32-year-old’s punishment may be extended due to his initial resistance to accept the referee’s decision on Sunday.
