Virgil van Dijk charged by FA after furious foul-mouthed reaction to red card

29 August 2023 , 17:06

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Virgil van Dijk charged by FA after furious foul-mouthed reaction to red card

Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the FA over his behaviour following his dismissal in Liverpool's win over Newcastle.

The Liverpool skipper was shown a straight red card by referee John Brooks in the first half at St James' Park after a challenge on Alexander Isak. Van Dijk reacted angrily to the dismissal and launched an X-rated tirade at the referee before leaving the pitch.

He was also seen remonstrating with fourth official Craig Pawson before Jurgen Klopp was forced to intervene.

Van Dijk faces an automatic one-match ban for the dismissal but that could now be extended after the FA confirmed he had been charged for his reaction.

"It is alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official," an FA statement read. Van Dijk has until Friday to respond to the charge.

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Liverpool had been trailing 1-0 when Van Dijk was dismissed but two late goals from Darwin Nunez secured a memorable victory for Klopp's side. On the red card, Klopp said: "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."

Referees boss Howard Webb is eager to clamp down on abuse of match officials and ex-official Mark Halsey has called on the FA to hand Van Dijk a four-game ban.

"The new Liverpool captain fell well below the standards set by one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. Van Dijk swore, gestured and constantly questioned Brooks following the red card," he said.

"The abusive and insulting language used by the new Reds leader could be worthy of another RED CARD and result in an additional three-match ban. That would rule out Van Dijk for four matches in total - a fitting punishment for his poor conduct."

Liverpool are back in action against Aston Villa at Anfield on Sunday before the international break.

Liam Prenderville