Virgil van Dijk charged with improper conduct over Newcastle United red card
The Reds skipper was given his marching orders by John Brooks for a last-man foul on Alexander Isak in the first half of that dramatic 2-1 win at St James' Park.
Van Dijk remonstrated with Brooks and the officiating team before begrudgingly heading down the tunnel, although he had to be ushered on his way by a bemused Jurgen Klopp.
The Dutchman appeared to have some choice words for the referees before disappearing out of sight, and he would serve a one-game suspension owing to his straight red card.
However, the FA have now charged Van Dijk with improper conduct, and it is also alleged that the 32-year-old «used abusive and/or insulting» language towards an official, which could see his ban extended.
«Virgil van Dijk has been charged with a breach of FA rule E3.1 following Liverpool's Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday, 27 August,» an FA statement read.
«It's alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute. Virgil van Dijk has until Friday, September 1 to respond to this charge.»
Liverpool had already survived an early red card scare at St James' Park, as Trent Alexander-Arnold was cautioned for throwing the ball away before bringing down Anthony Gordon as the winger sped down the left wing.
Despite vociferous calls from Newcastle fans, Brooks opted against brandishing a second yellow card for Alexander-Arnold, although he did not hesitate to send Van Dijk to the changing rooms.
However, Klopp questioned whether there was enough contact
Read on sportsmole.co.uk
