Liverpool Captain Virgil Van Dijk Banned From Wolves Game

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk will be suspended for his team's Premier League game against Wolverhampton Wanderers on September 16.

Van Dijk already missed last weekend's 3-0 win over Aston Villa after being issued with an automatic one-game ban for his red card during Liverpool's 2-1 victory at Newcastle seven days earlier.

On Friday, the Dutch defender was hit with an additional one-match ban after admitting that he had acted in an improper manner following his dismissal.

When complaining to referee John Brooks about being sent off, Van Dijk had appeared to say the words: "F****** joke."

He later continued his complaint by shouting at fourth official Craig Pawson.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk pictured leaving the field after being sent off against Newcastle last month

IMAGO/Mark Cosgrove/News Images

An FA statement read on Friday: "The defender admitted that he acted in an improper manner and used abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off, and the sanctions were subsequently imposed by an independent regulatory commission."

After missing next Saturday's trip to Wolves, Van Dijk will be available to make his return on September 21 when Liverpool begin their Europa League campaign with an away game against LASK Linz.

Van Dijk's next EPL appearance is expected to come against West Ham at Anfield on September 24.