The Football Association (FA) has been advised to impose a four-match suspension on Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk due to his “unacceptable behavior” following his red card in the match against Newcastle.
Referee John Brooks sent off Van Dijk in the first half of the game at St James’ Park when he tripped Alexander Isak.
As the Dutchman left the pitch, he angrily directed a verbal outburst towards Brooks and fourth official Craig Pawson.
Mark Halsey, a former Premier League official, has called for Van Dijk to face a longer ban as a consequence of his conduct.
“Van Dijk will rightly receive a one-match ban for the straight red card but I believe his suspension should be increased. The abusive and insulting language used by the new Reds leader could be worthy of another RED CARD and result in an additional three-match ban.
That would rule out Van Dijk for four matches in total – a fitting punishment for his poor conduct. Howard Webb went around all of the clubs in a bid to improve the standards of behaviour towards officials. But clearly some players, including Van Dijk, didn’t bother to listen,” Halsey told the UK Sun.
