Virgil van Dijk: Liverpool defender charged by FA after red card against Newcastle

Liverpool center-back Virgil van Dijk has been charged with improper conduct and could see his one-game suspension extended following his red card against Newcastle on Sunday.

The Liverpool captain was shown a straight red card in the 29th minute at St James' Park on Sunday for fouling Newcastle forward Alexander Isak.

The defender appeared to argue with referee John Brooks while VAR reviewed the incident.

The FA says Van Dijk 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," said the FA in a statement.

"It's alleged that the defender acted improperly and/or used abusive and/or insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute."

The 32-year-old Netherlands centre-back, who also appeared to argue with the fourth official before making his way down the tunnel, has until Friday to respond to the charge.

Currently, Virgil Van Dijk will serve a one-match ban for the initial red card and miss Liverpool's next game against Aston Villa on Sunday.

The charge comes after referees' chief Howard Webb said he was "determined" officials would not "turn a blind eye" to bad behaviour from players and coaches this season.

The incident occurred three minutes after Liverpool went behind to Anthony Gordon's opening goal and with the visitors under pressure in the game.

Darwin Nunez came off the bench to score twice late on and hand Liverpool a 2-1 victory to maintain their unbeaten start to the season.

The Netherlands international has until Friday to provide a response to the charge.

Virgil Van Dijk will miss Liverpool's home Premier League encounter with Aston Villa on Sunday but could miss the trip to Wolves on Saturday September 16 if his ban is extended.