EPL: Van Dijk facing more punishment after red card against Newcastle

Liverpool captain, Virgil van Dijk, is facing further punishment after appearing to berate the referee’s decision to send him off on Sunday as a “f***ing joke”.

The Dutch defender was shown a straight red card during the first half of their 2- win at Newcastle United

Van Dijk was sent off for a contentious challenge to deny Alexander Isak a goalscoring opportunity.

Darwin Nunez scored two off the bench to remarkably earn the 10-man Reds three points.

And Van Dijk could now face an FA rap for pointing in referee John Brooks’ face, appearing to use foul language and originally refusing to walk off the field. Van Dijk also appeared to exchange strong words with fourth official Craig Pawson.

Former referee Mike Dean told Mail Sport: ‘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.’

Per FA guidelines, players can receive further punishment for ‘improper conduct’ such as abusive language.