Virgil van Dijk could face longer suspension following Newcastle red card
- Virgil van Dijk was sent off during Liverpool's 2-1 win at Newcastle in August
- Defender has served one-match ban but could sit out further games
- Reds captain charged with improper conduct
By Sean Walsh
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could be hit with a further suspension due to comments he made to referee John Brooks during their 2-1 win at Newcastle United.
The Reds endured a torrid start at St James' Park on August 27, falling behind to an early goal from former Everton winger Anthony Gordon.
Van Dijk was then giving his marching orders after clipping Alexander Isak when the striker was preparing to run through on goal.
The incident was reviewed by VAR officials, but they ultimately decided to stick with Brooks' decision and the red card stood.
In the first episode of 'Match Officials Mic'd Up' - a new show set up by the Premier League and PGMOL to help explain contentious refereeing decisions - Van Dijk's red card was among the first incidents reviewed.
While there was no issue with the decision to send the defender off, one notable point of contention was Van Dijk's behaviour towards Brooks.
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The referee told Van Dijk to 'wait' for a verdict by the VAR, but insisted, "You will need to go immediately if I tell you you've got to go."
However, Van Dijk initially refused to leave the pitch, and was heard claiming that the decision was a "f***ing joke".
This has already landed the Liverpool skipper with an improper conduct charge from the FA, and it is now being widely reported that he may now be handed an extra one-match ban.
Van Dijk missed Liverpool's 3-0 win at home to Aston Villa on Sunday due to the initial suspension but he could also sit out their trip to Wolves after the international break if further punished.
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