Virgil Van Dijk Ban Could Be Increased After Liverpool Captain Appeared To Swear At Referee Following Red Card Against Newcastle

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk could be banned for more than one game after he reacted aggressively to being sent off during Sunday's 2-1 win at Newcastle.

Van Dijk received the first red card of his Liverpool career following a last-man foul on Alexander Isak in the 28th minute.

Replays showed that Van Dijk had got a big touch on the ball, but only after he made contact with Isak's right foot.

Van Dijk was furious with the decision and was seen shouting at referee John Brooks before eventually leaving the field.

He appeared to say the words: "F****** joke."

Virgil van Dijk pictured (left) shouting at referee John Brooks after being sent off during Liverpool's 2-1 win at Newcastle on Sunday

IMAGO/PA Images/Owen Humphreys

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

The Dutch defender's red card will result in an automatic one-match suspension.

However, that ban could be extended if the Football Association decides to also penalize him for swearing at Brooks.

Former Premier League referee Mike Dean told the Daily Mail that Van Dijk "was out of line".

Dean added: "Depending on what is written in the referee's report, Van Dijk may find himself in further trouble with the football authorities."

Liverpool's next game is against Aston Villa at Anfield on September 3. The Reds will then visit Wolves 13 days later following an international break.