Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been fined £100,000 and banished for an additional match after admitting he acted inappropriately following his red card in a win against Newcastle United.
In the 28th minute, the defender was sent off for fouling Alexander Isak.
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Van Dijk was suspended against Aston Villa on September 3rd and will be unable to play against Wolves on September 16th.
He looked to argue with referee John Brooks before going off the field.
Van Dijk, 32, of the Netherlands, appeared to quarrel with the fourth official before walking down the tunnel at St James’ Park.
“The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission,” said an FA statement.
Howard Webb, the commissioner of referees, has stated that he is “determined” that officials would not “turn a blind eye” to unethical behavior by players and coaches this season.
Webb supported Brooks’ decision to remove Van Dijk on Match Officials: Mic’d Up.
“We think it’s a good identification of a foul by John Brooks the referee,” said Webb.
“We see Virgil van Dijk does play the ball, but to get there he clearly kicks through the foot of Alexander Isak.
“It’s not only a free-kick but it also denies Isak an obvious goalscoring opportunity. He has to be sent off in this circumstance and the VAR checks it.”
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Three minutes after Anthony Gordon’s opening goal put Liverpool behind and with the visitors under pressure, the incident took place.
Darwin Nunez, a striker from Uruguay, came on as a substitute late in the game and scored twice to give Liverpool a 2-1 victory.
