FA advises Virgil van Dijk to face 4 game ban due to misconduct after Newcastle red card
Virgil van Dijk, furious at John Brooks’ decision to send him off during Liverpool’s win over Newcastle, had outbursts with the referee before he left the pitch.
The FA have been ordered to sanction Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk with a four-match ban in response to his “unacceptable behavior” following his red card against Newcastle.
Referee John Brooks sent off the Dutchman during the first half of the Reds’ win at St James’ Park after tripping Alexander Isak. However, the defender was furious and had outbursts with Brooks and fourth referee Craig Pawson when he refused to leave the field.
The reaction came as Head Referee Howard Webb attempted to crack down on abuse of match officials. And former Premier League manager Mark Halsey has called for an increased ban for Van Dijk for his behaviour. Halsey told The Sun: “Football must not tolerate abuse of match referees anymore. Therefore, the Football Association must crack down and punish Virgil Van Dijk for his unacceptable behavior at Newcastle on Sunday.
“The new Liverpool captain falls far short of the standards set by one of the biggest Premier League clubs. Van Dijk cursed, gestured and repeatedly questioned Brooks after the red card.
“Van Dijk will get a one-match ban for consecutive red cards, but I think his suspension should be increased. The abusive and derogatory language used by the new Reds leader could be worth an extra RED CARD and lead to an additional 3 match ban.
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“That would put Van Dijk out for a total of four games – an appropriate punishment for his misconduct. Howard Webb has visited all the clubs in an effort to improve the standard of conduct. with officials. But obviously some players, including Van Dijk, didn’t listen.
Halsey pointed out that it took Van Dijk almost two and a half minutes to leave the field and go down the tunnel. The former referee insists the Liverpool captain has sent the ‘wrong message’ to the football world.
He compared Van Dijk’s reaction to that of Nottingham Forest captain Joe Worrall, who left the field shortly after a controversial red card against Manchester United.
Liverpool’s home jersey for the 2023/2024 season pays tribute to Bill Shankly and the legendary Red Devils manager’s final season in charge of Anfield. The Nike jersey features a bright red design with a bold white contrast on the colors and cuffs. When Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp stepped in to reassure Van Dijk following the incident, the German insisted it was not a sent-off. And as Mirror Football reported on Monday, the Red Devils are confident Van Dijk will be given a one-match ban.
“I don’t think it’s a red card. There’s hardly any contact, very little and it’s coming to the ball, but what can I say? It’s the decision, I can’t help it. change it and I’m not doing it. I don’t want it,” Klopp said. “It’s just, would I give it in a practice match? Definitely not. There are many reasons why I’m not the referee and neither are they. I think today the boys deserved it. that’s because with 10 men we played better and helped Newcastle get a good result.” game.”