10 September 2023 , 20:23
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Virgil van Dijk has broken his promise to control his temper when dealing with referees following a penalty incident while playing for the Netherlands.
Van Dijk has been in the spotlight recently for his behaviour after being sent off in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Newcastle in the Premier League on August 27. The Reds’ captain was given his marching orders after bringing down Alexander Isak as last man.
He did not go quietly, branding the decision a “f***ing joke” in a foul-mouthed rant at referee John Brooks and fourth official Craig Pawson. Van Dijk was subsequently slapped with a two-match ban and a £100,000 fine for his conduct.
Van Dijk then apologised and promised to learn from the incident in a grovelling statement made in an attempt to draw a line under things. However, his hot head was on show once again in Dublin on Sunday night after conceding a penalty against Ireland in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Ireland were awarded a penalty after Shane Duffy’s near-post header hit Van Dijk on the hand. The referee pointed at the spot before getting an earful from the Dutch captain, who pleaded his innocence to no effect.
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Adam Idah buried the resulting penalty, but Van Dijk was bailed out by his Liverpool team-mate Cody Gakpo, who found the bottom corner from another spot-kick. That made the score 1-1 at half-time, but Van Dijk may have received a word from manager Ronald Koeman at the break for his behaviour.
He was found guilty of acting “in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off” against Newcastle. He then released a statement which read: "Following the announcement today I'd just like to make clear I totally accept the panel's decision.
Virgil van Dijk was penalised for a handball“It was the first red card of my Liverpool career and I let my frustrations get the better of me in an intense and heated moment. I apologised immediately after the game to the match officials and take full responsibility. Time to move forward now. I will continue supporting the team in every way I can."
Speaking while on international duty, he added: "That was not typical for me but that was the red card anyway.
"I've never got one before at Liverpool, and I think only about four times in my entire career. But apart from that I still started the season well. I feel good and strong. I think it went well against Chelsea and Bournemouth. Despite the red card, the start was fine. I cannot wait to return.”
Liverpool are next in action against Wolves on Saturday, September 16 – a game which Van Dijk will be forced to sit out of.