Liverpool: Van Dijk faces FA charges for "insulting words" after red card

The Reds defender lost his temper after receiving a straight red card against Newcastle.

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the FA for his reaction to a red card against Newcastle.

Van Dijk’s challenge on Alexander Isak convinced the referee to send him out with a straight red card in the 28th minute of Liverpool’s match at St. James’ Park on Sunday.

Late goals from Darwin Nunez sealed Liverpool’s comeback, but Van Dijk could face more punishment for his behaviour toward the referee.

“Virgil Van Dijk has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E3.1 following Liverpool’s Premier League game against Newcastle United on Sunday, 27 August,” reads FA’s statement.

“It’s alleged that the defender acted in an improper manner and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute. Virgil Van Dijk has until Friday, 1 September, to provide a response to this charge.”

Van Dijk will miss Liverpool’s upcoming match against Aston Villa due to his one-game ban after the red card. It’s not clear whether the Reds would appeal against the new charges.

After the international break, Liverpool will restart their campaign with a match against Wolves before facing West Ham and Tottenham in their next fixtures.