Van Dijk could face longer suspension for reaction to red card in Liverpool's win at Newcastle
Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk, left, has an altercation with Newcastle United's Fabian Schar during the English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James' Park, in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, Sunday Aug. 27, 2023. Credit: AP/Owen Humphreys
LONDON — Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could be handed a longer suspension after being charged by the Football Association on Tuesday for his reaction to being shown a red card against Newcastle in the Premier League over the weekend.
The Netherlands center back was sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at St. James’ Park on Sunday. Van Dijk initially refused to leave the field and then remonstrated with referee John Brooks.
The sending-off will earn him an automatic one-match ban, to be served against Aston Villa this weekend, but the suspension could be increased.
“It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official," the FA said.
Van Dijk has until Friday to respond to the charge.
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