Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk charged with improper behaviour towards the referee
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been charged with improper conduct towards the referee after receiving a red card in the game against Newcastle United on Sunday.
The Dutch international was brandished a red card by referee John Brooks around the 30th minute of the game when the defender swiped through the legs of Alexander Isak to win the ball while being the last man defending.
Before going off and during the VAR check, the 32-year-old was seen saying a few choice words to the official. He was seen arguing with the fourth official as well before Jurgen Klopp calmed the situation down.
For the charge van Dijk has received, he has until Friday to respond or appeal. If nothing happens, his ban is expected to be extended by a game.
As a result, he may now miss the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 16 too along with the Aston Villa one this Sunday.
We know the refereeing in the Premier League is substandard every year. But, Brooks got this decision right. So, whatever explanation van Dijk may offer, it may not be enough to overturn the charge. An apology might smoothen the matter to an extent.
With Ibrahima Konate anticipated to not be available until the game after the international break, Liverpool would go into the Villa game short on options in central defence. Joe Gomez and Joel Matip would most probably start, provided they are fit.
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The latter did not last the full 90 against Newcastle. It won’t be a surprise if the same happens on Sunday as well. For that reason, the role of Jarell Quansah could come into the equation unless the club signs a new defender on or before the Friday deadline.
