Liverpool receive blow as Virgil van Dijk is handed suspension for ‘abusive’ antics against Newcastle

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been handed an additional one-game ban and a fine of £100,000 after his antics against Newcastle two weeks ago.

The centre-back was sent off for a challenge on Alexander Isak 30 minutes into the game, which the referee deemed as a denial of a goal-scoring opportunity.

It’s fair to say that Van Dijk didn’t take kindly to the decision. He angrily shouted and pointed his finger in the face of referee John Brooks and confronted fourth official Stuart Attwell before making his way down the tunnel having been ushered away by Jurgen Klopp.

The defender was then slapped with a charge by the Football Association for behaving in an “improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official.”

As per the Liverpool Echo, Van Dijk has since admitted the charge and as a result, will miss Liverpool’s next match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Seotember 16. As mentioned, he will also be forced to pay a fine of £100,000.

Klopp will therefore have to rely on another centre-back for the Wolves clash, so it will be interesting to see who the manager replaces Van Dijk with.

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