Virgil van Dijk charged by FA after Newcastle red card
- Van Dijk was sent off in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Newcastle
- Dutchman was seen criticising the referee after the decision was made
- An extended suspension could be handed out
By Tom Gott
The Football Association have charged Liverpool centre-back Virgil van Dijk over his conduct in the aftermath of his red card in the 2-1 victory over Newcastle United.
Van Dijk was shown a straight red card shortly before the half-hour mark after he fouled Alexander Isak as Liverpool's last defender.
As the decision was being reviewed by VAR, Van Dijk was seen arguing with referee John Brooks and the FA have now opted to take action against the Liverpool centre-back.
"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," a statement from the FA read.
"It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official."
Van Dijk, who will serve an automatic one-match ban as a result of the red card, has until Friday to contest the charge.
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Should Van Dijk be found guilty, he could face an extended suspension. The Dutchman is already set to miss Sunday's visit from Aston Villa but his involvement in upcoming clashes with Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United now appears to be in doubt as well.
Van Dijk's suspension comes at a tricky time for Liverpool, who are already without the injured Ibrahima Konate.
"He will be back after the international break," manager Jurgen Klopp said of Konate recently. "Not too serious, but serious enough.
"Maybe a chance for Villa, but I expect him to be back after the international break."
Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Nat Phillips are the three remaining centre-backs available to Klopp.
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