Virgil van Dijk speaks out after FA ban him for Liverpool behaviour against Newcastle
Virgil van Dijk has revealed that he apologised to the match officials following his red card during Liverpool's win over Newcastle United.
On Friday, an independent Regulatory Commission extended the Reds captain's ban for a further game after he was sent off for a challenge on Alexander Isak.
He was initially handed a one-match suspension, which he served against Aston Villa, but was charged with improper conduct for his reaction to John Brooks after receiving his marching orders.
He was fined £100,000 by the FA as part of their sanction. The dismissal was the first of Van Dijk's Liverpool career as he will now miss the trip to Molineux to take on Wolverhampton Wanderers.
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In light of the news that emerged on Friday, the 32-year-old took to social media to address the panel's decision to extend his suspension, admitting that he accepts the verdict.
On his Instagram story, he wrote: "Following the announcement today, I'd just like to make [it] clear [that] I totally accept the panel's decision.
"It was the first red card of my Liverpool career and I let my frustrations get the better of me, in an intense and heated moment.
"I apologised immediately after the game to the match officials and take full responsibility.
"Time to move forward now. I will continue supporting the team in every way I can."
Despite his ban, Van Dijk featured for Ronald Koeman's Holland as they brushed aside Greece in their 2024 European Championships qualifier. The centre-back's Liverpool teammate, Cody Gakpo, was on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win, with Kostas Tsimikas in the opposite corner in
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