Liverpool FC

Van Dijk responds to the FA’s misconduct ruling

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Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has been handed an extra one-game ban.

Van Dijk was sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak during his side’s eventual win over Newcastle but initially refused to leave the pitch after the incident.

The Netherlands international remonstrated with referee John Brooks before departing for the tunnel after the first-half flashpoint at St James’ Park.

He sat out the Reds’ win over Aston Villa as a result of the automatic one-game suspension but faced a Football Association charge for his misconduct.

But English football’s governing body has now added a second game, ruling Van Dijk out for Jurgen Klopp’s side in their trip to Wolves next Saturday.

A £100,000 fine was also included in the 32-year-old’s punishment, which was announced on Friday following his acceptance of an improper conduct charge.

In the wake of the FA ruling, Van Dijk issued a statement via his official social media accounts accepting responsibility for his first red card for Liverpool.

He said: “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.

“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.”