Liverpool Football Club’s captain, Virgil Van Dijk, has received an additional suspension for a match day by the English Football Association. The announcement of this extra suspension came from the FA’s official account on Friday, September 8, 2023. This decision follows an incident where Van Dijk confronted the referee during the game against Newcastle United.
During the match, Virgil Van Dijk was shown a straight red card for denying a goal-scoring opportunity through a foul on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. He was visibly seen remonstrating with referee John Brookes and fourth official Craig Pawson. He was also reported to have expressed his frustration with the referee’s decision using strong language and delayed leaving the field.
The FA confirmed in a statement that Van Dijk would face an extended ban for an extra game and a fine of £100,000. The statement read, “The defender admitted to acting improperly and using abusive and insulting language toward a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute. These sanctions were imposed by an independent Regulatory Commission, and full written reasons for this case will be published soon.”
Van Dijk addressed the incident with Dutch reporters during the international break, stating that this behavior was out of character for him. Despite being 1-0 down when he received the red card, Liverpool managed to come back and win, thanks to two late goals from substitute Darwin Nunez.
Read English FA Statement Below;
— FA Spokesperson (@FAspokesperson) September 8, 2023