Virgil van Dijk has been a revelation for Liverpool since signing from Southampton for a then-world-record fee for a defender in January 2018 after Liverpool paid £75 million for the Dutchman. The former Celtic defender quickly improved the squad, leading the club to back-to-back Champions League finals, which they won in 2019 after losing the previous one to Real Madrid.
The Dutchman’s importance to the club has led to his appointment as the new captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson to the Saud Pro League this summer. With more responsibility as club captain, Van Dijk is expected to be more vocal in the dressing room than ever.
Why Van Dijk to possibly face extended ban from one-match suspension red card
Liverpool are one of the most resilient teams in Europe, and that was evident in their weekend win over Newcastle despite being behind for most of the game with ten men. Anthony Gordon scored in the 25th minute of the game to put Newcastle ahead, and that’s not the only thing that went the Magpies’ way in the first half. Three minutes after Gordon’s goal, Virgil van Dijk was sent off, reducing Liverpool’s chances of getting back in the game.
Reports now suggest that Van Dijk may face an extended ban after appearing to react aggressively to being sent off. According to Sports Illustration, the Liverpool captain kept yelling at the referee after being sent off, shouting a few words to fourth official Craig Pawson on his way off the pitch. His actions may earn him an extended ban from the FA if John Brooks decides to include his actions in his referee report.
🚨BREAKING:
Virgil Van Dijk only suspended for one game.
[PL APP] pic.twitter.com/1GEdcJhKKl
— ⁴ (@TheVVDRole) August 28, 2023
“He was out of line,” former Premier League referee Mike Dean said. “Depending on what is written in the referee’s report, Van Dijk may find himself in further trouble with the football authorities,” he concluded.
What caused Van Dijk to get red card against Newcastle?
Alexander Isak was through on goal and may have converted his chance had Van Dijk not fouled him. The Liverpool captain tripped Isak, leaving John Brooks with no choice but to send him off for denying Newcastle a clear goalscoring opportunity. Van Dijk did not take this lightly and yelled at the referee, which may earn him an extended ban from the FA. However, despite all the drama, Liverpool left St. James Park with all the points as they came from behind to win the game.
Darwin Nunez scored the match-winning brace, leaving Klopp scratching his head on what to do about the Uruguayan. The former Benfica man has not started any of Liverpool’s Premier League matches this season, leading to speculations that he may be offloaded, but his recent displays, coupled with Liverpool’s weak squad depth, may see him remain at the club.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
Will Liverpool captain Van Dijk have his ban extended by the FA? Let us know what you think in the comments.
