Virgil Van Dijk has been fined £100,000 and will miss Liverpool’s next game against Wolves after insulting the referee in the 2-1 win over Newcastle United. The defender was sent off after taking down Alexander Isak, who was through on goal.
But, the manner of his protest caused further trouble as he called the referee “a fucking joke” when he was asked to leave the pitch. His inappropriate behaviour with the official has seen him suspended for one extra game. And he will be available again when the Reds take on West Ham United after the international break.
Virgil Van Dijk fined £100,000 and suspended for one game
The 32-year-old was also seen arguing with fourth official Craig Pawson, as he received the first red card of his Liverpool career. The Dutchman had to watch on as Liverpool defeated Aston Villa 3-0. And now, another game on the sidelines awaits him.
Jurgen Klopp will have to field Joel Matip and Joe Gomez to make up for the absence of both Virgil Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.
Van Dijk reportedly admitted that he acted out of order as per an official statement from the FA. And it will be interesting to see how Liverpool fare without two of their first-choice central defenders in the line-up.
