Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the FA over his reaction to being sent off during his side’s 2-1 win at Newcastle on Sunday.
Sources previously told ESPN that Van Dijk could face additional sanctions.
The Liverpool captain received a red card by referee John Brooks for a foul on Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
Van Dijk received a red card in the 28th minute against Newcastle after bringing down Alexander Isak when the home side had already taken a 1-0 lead through Anthony Gordon’s goal.
The defender was shown a straight red card for a professional foul, and the FA has announced that he has also been charged for acting in an “inappropriate manner”, which could carry a heavier penalty.
Van Dijk then contested the red card on him claiming he had won the ball, while the referee concluded that Isak had been brought down illegally.
The referee flashed a straight red card at the Dutch defender.
Professional fouls here refer to tactical fouls that players use to disrupt the opponent’s game in the attack phase that promises a goal.
Van Dijk protested the decision and remained on the pitch until the incident was seen by the VAR team.
But after VAR confirmed and confirmed the red card, Van Dijk reacted angrily to the decision and was seen verbally complaining to fourth official Stuart Attwell as he walked through the tunnel at St James’ Park.
The FA confirmed on Tuesday that Van Dijk was caught using abusive and insulting language after being sent off.
The Netherlands international could potentially face an additional ban on top of a one-match suspension for a red card.
“Virgil Van Dijk has been charged with breaching FA Rule E3.1 following Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday 27th August,” read an FA statement.
“It is alleged that the defender acted inappropriately and/or used abusive language and/or insulted the referee after being sent off in the 29th minute.
“Virgil Van Dijk has until Friday, September 1 to respond to these allegations.”
Sources previously told ESPN that the FA would investigate Brooks’ report into the incident before deciding on further action.
Van Dijk will miss Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa due to his red card.
The additional sanction will rule him out against Wolves.
Despite being 10 men down, two sensational late goals from substitute Darwin Nunez secured Liverpool the three points.
