Virgil van Dijk comments on FA fine for improper conduct

Virgil van Dijk has called his FA charge for improper conduct a "hard and expensive lesson" after being fined £100,000.

The defender was charged by the FA on Friday for what they deemed improper conduct by the player, after Van Dijk called a decision to send him off by referee John Brooks a 'f***ing joke'. Van Dijk had already missed the clash Aston Villa having been suspended for the red card, but has now received a further one-match ban and a hefty £100,000 fine for the incident.

Speaking to the press ahead of the Netherlands' crucial Euro 2024 qualifying clash with Republic of Ireland at the Aviva Stadium, Van Dijk gave his thoughts on the fine.

"It has been a hard and expensive lesson. I can't really say more about it. I have accepted it and I am happy that there is an end to it," he said.

"I have been punished for it and I don't think I have been set as an example. Hopefully the money goes to the right people. A good cause is always better."

Van Dijk also released a statement on his social media after hearing of the ban and fine by the FA, writing that he "totally accepted" the decision: "Following the announcement today I'd just like to make clear 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."

The defender's first game back in action for Liverpool is set to be the Europa League group stage clash with LASK on September 21, before the Reds welcome West Ham United to the London Stadium a few days later.

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