Liverpool fans’ worst fears could be realised after audio from Virgil van Dijk’s red card incident against Newcastle United was released.
Last month, Liverpool travelled to St.James’ Park to take on Eddie Howe’s Newcastle side.
After going 1-0 down, things went from bad to worse for Jurgen Klopp as Van Dijk was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Alexander Isak in the 28th minute.
At first, Liverpool were hoping that their captain will only miss one match but now, he could face an extended ban.
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After he was charged by the FA last week for ‘abuse’ towards the official, the audio from the incident was released.
A statement from the FA read: “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.”
During the Premier League’s new show, Match Officials Mic'd Up, fans got the chance to see and hear the process behind the decision to send Van Dijk off.
The Liverpool man was spotted saying “f***king joke” towards the referee after it was confirmed by VAR that the red card decision was correct.
As a result of the FA charge and the audio proof, Van Dijk is set to miss Liverpool’s next two matches, against Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.
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At the time, manager Klopp said: “I don’t think it is a red card. It’s pretty much no contact, very little, and it’s on the way to the ball, but what can I say? The decision is like this, I cannot change it and I don’t want it.”
Whilst former Premier League referee, Mike Dean, said: “Van Dijk disagreed as he unleashed a verbal volley on fourth official Craig Pawson, which was out of line.
“Depending on what is written in the referee’s report, Van Dijk may find himself in further trouble with the football authorities.”
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Virgil Van Dijk, Liverpool, Newcastle United, VAR