Virgil van Dijk said Saturday he had learned “a hard and expensive lesson" after receiving an an extra one-game ban and a £100,000 fine after his angry reaction to a red card against Newcastle.
The Dutch defender admitted acting in an improper manner following his dismissal for a foul on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at St James’ Park in August.
The furious Van Dijk felt the tackle was not worthy of a sending off and he initially refused to leave the pitch before arguing with referee John Brooks as he swore at the match official.
: Virgil van Dijk has been given a further one-match ban and fined £100,000. #lfc [james pearce] pic.twitter.com/T8eZxZn3no— Anfield Watch (@AnfieldWatch) September 8, 2023
An automatic one-match ban saw Van Dijk suspended for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break.
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He appeared to remonstrate with referee John Brooks prior to walking off the pitch at St James’ Park.
Netherlands centre-back Van Dijk, 32, also appeared to argue with the fourth official before making his way down the tunnel.
“The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission," said an FA statement.
On Friday, he also received an additional suspension for the same, ruling him out of the Reds’ trip to Wolves on September 16.
Van Dijk took to Instagram and said: “I’d just like to make it clear I totally accept the panel’s decision.
“It was my 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."
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Van Dijk took temporary leave from Anfield to represent his home country at the Euro 2024 Qualifiers.
“It has been a hard and expensive lesson," Van Dijk said during the Netherlands pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.
“I can’t really say more about it. I have accepted it and I am happy that there is an end to it."
The centre-back added: “Hopefully the money goes to the right people. A good cause is always better."
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Sunday’s Group B match is a must-win contest for Ireland, who trail the Dutch by three points having played a game more.
(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - AFP)
