Liverpool’s star defender, Virgil van Dijk, has been handed a £100,000 fine and an additional suspension by the English Football Association (FA), News About Nigeria reports.
Van Dijk’s punishment comes as a result of his use of “abusive and insulting words towards a match referee” during Liverpool’s match against Newcastle on August 27.
This development comes after Van Dijk had already received a red card in the game and had a heated exchange with officials before leaving the field, although Liverpool later came from behind to win the game 2-1.
The red card forced Van Dijk to miss Liverpool’s subsequent Premier League game against Aston Villa, where Liverpool secured a 3-1 victory.
However, the FA’s latest decision now means that he will also be absent for the upcoming fixture against Wolves on September 16.
The FA’s disciplinary action is in response to Van Dijk’s alleged comment that his sending-off was “a f****** joke.”
An FA statement explained, “The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission.”
The FA also noted that full written reasons for the case will be published at a later date.
This suspension poses a setback for Liverpool as they will be without their captain, Van Dijk, for a crucial Premier League match against Wolves.
Jurgen Klopp’s men have started the new on a good note, with three wins and one draw from their first four games, placing them in the third position on the Premier League table.
