Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk says he ‘totally accepts’ the one-game extension to the ban he received for his sending off against Newcastle.
Van Dijk reacted furiously after being dismissed for denying Magpies’ striker Alexander Isak a clear goalscoring opportunity during Liverpool’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park on August 27. The defender initially refused to leave the field and remonstrated angrily with referee John Brooks. On Friday an FA disciplinary panel handed Van Dijk an additional one-match ban and a fine of £100,000 ($125,000) after concluding that the Dutchman “acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official.”
Van Dijk made a statement on social media saying he accepted the panel’s verdict and sought to draw a line under the incident. “Following the announcement today I’d just like to make clear I totally accept the panel’s decision. It was the first red card of my Liverpool career and I let my frustrations get the better of me in an intense and heated moment.”
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“I apologised immediately after the game to the match officials and take full responsibility. Time to move forward now. I will continue supporting the team in every way I can.”
Van Dijk lost his usually cool head after leaving his side both a goal and a man down in a fiery clash on Tyneside. Much to his relief a Darwin Nuñez-inspired comeback gave Liverpool a win that manager Jurgen Klopp put down as one of his best-ever victories.