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Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the FA for his reaction to being sent off in Liverpool's 2-1 Premier League win over Newcastle United on Sunday (August 27).
The Dutchman was sent off in the 28th minute for tripping Alexander Isak and preventing a clear goalscoring opportunity. After the on-field decision was upheld by VAR, he reacted angrily towards referee John Brooks and fourth official Stuart Attwell as he headed towards the tunnel.
ESPN reported that the reaction could add another game to Van Dijk's one-game suspension. The FA have now released a statement confirming that the Reds captain has been charged. It reads:
"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.
"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."
The Reds went on to win the game despite being a goal and a man down at half-time. Darwin Nunez, though, scored two late goals off the bench to hand his team all three points on the road.
Van Dijk will miss the Reds' home league game against Aston Villa on September 3. He could also miss the clash at Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 16 if his ban is extended.
The 32-year-old is one of Jurgen Klopp's untouchable players in the starting XI, but in his absence, Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are expected to start at the back.
Jurgen Klopp says Liverpool star could miss Aston Villa clash due to injury
Ibrahima Konate is unlikely to step into Liverpool's backline in Virgil van Dijk's absence against Aston Villa this weekend.
The Frenchman is sidelined with a minor muscle issue, and Reds manager Jurgen Klopp expects him to return after the September international break. Ahead of the game against Newcastle at St. James' Park, Klopp said (h/t This Is Anfield):
"Maybe a chance for (Aston) Villa, but I expect him to be back after the international break."
Before the Magpies game, the 24-year-old started and played the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw against Chelsea and the 3-1 win over Bournemouth. Twenty-year-old Academy defender Jarrel Quansah, who featured as a substitute against Newcastle, is also an option for the German manager.
