Liverpool central defender and team captain Virgil van Dijk’s appeal didn’t work out as the FA ruling – that he verbally abused Referee John Brooks after getting red-carded, in the come-from-behind win at Newcastle United – stands.
This was the first red-card of his career that got Van Dijk suspended for the match against Aston Villa this past Sunday and his incendiary reaction to getting booked has now earned him a slightly longer suspension.
The Liverpool captain must now sit out the away clash at Wolves on September 16, Liverpool’s first match after this international break. Without a doubt the Dutch ace’s absence will be sorely felt, as he is the formidable foundation providing rock-solid leadership and also a stellar, solid presence in the spinal core of defense.
The English Football Association statement said: “Virgil van Dijk has been suspended for one match and fined £100,000 for breaching FA Rule E3.1 during Liverpool’s Premier League fixture against Newcastle United on Sunday 27 August.
The stalwart 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.
“Full written reasons for this case will be published in due course.” \
That means the all-world Dutchman will not be in action again until Sept. 24 when Liverpool visits West Ham United.