28 August 2023 , 11:05
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Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk could be slapped with a longer ban following his red card against Newcastle.
The Dutch defender was sent off at St James’ Park for a last-man foul on Magpies star Alexander Isak. Due to the foul not being considered violent conduct, he was only set to be handed a one-match ban.
That would see Van Dijk miss this weekend’s clash with Aston Villa at Anfield. However, it could soon be set to get much worse for the centre-back as he faces up to the reality of potentially an even longer suspension. His reaction to referee John Brooks could land him in hot water.
Van Dijk had a furious reaction to his dismissal at St James’ Park and was spotted shouting “f****** joke” to the official after his sending off was confirmed. The 32-year-old’s fury continued as he trudged off the pitch and made his displeasure known to the fourth official, before then being ushered away by Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp.
The FA are attempting to clamp down on improper conduct this term, with a number of players having already received bookings for their complaints to officials. Former Premier League referee Mike Dean has suggested that Van Dijk could potentially be made an example of.
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As quoted by Mail Online, he said: “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."
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Whilst Van Dijk protested against his sending off, Klopp also claimed it was an incorrect decision. Speaking after the full-time whistle against Newcastle, the German said: “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.”
Whilst Liverpool will be without the services of Van Dijk for their next Premier League outing, it could potentially have been even worse for the Reds. The Dutchman’s defensive colleague Trent Alexander-Arnold was somewhat fortunate to not have be given his own marching orders.
The right-back picked up a petulant booking for throwing the ball and was then very lucky to avoid a second yellow card for a foul on Newcastle’s opening goalscorer Anthony Gordon.