Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk hit with FA charge for acting in 'improper manner' after red card at Newcastle

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been charged by the FA with acting in an "improper manner” following his red card against Newcastle.

The Dutch central defender was sent off for bringing down Alexander Isak in the first half, just moments after Anthony Gordon had put Newcastle ahead in their Premier League match last Sunday.

The 32-year-old remonstrated with referee John Brooks as the flashpoint was being pored over by VAR.

Van Dijk appeared to be making the point that he felt he won the ball, while the referee concluded that Isak was illegally felled, and Brooks gave the Dutchman a straight red for a professional foul.

Van Dijk could now face further punishment, including a fine or an extension of his suspension, as the FA report that he allegedly used "abusive and/or insulting words".

"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," the FA wrote.

"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."

Van Dijk will miss Liverpool’s next league game, against Aston Villa on September 3, due to his initial ban for the sending-off.

Despite trailing to 10 men, a sensational late double from substitute Darwin Nunez secured three points for Jurgen Klopp’s men as they stayed unbeaten in the new campaign.

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