Virgil van Dijk 'deserves four-match ban' as former Premier League referee blasts Liverpool star
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey has slammed Virgil van Dijk
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Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey thinks Virgil van Dijk should receive a four-match ban following his red card for Liverpool against Newcastle on Sunday.
The Netherlands international was immediately dismissed for a foul on Alexander Isak during the match at St James' Park.
But Van Dijk then caused controversy by screaming expletives towards referee John Brooks.
The Premier League are looking to crack down on players arguing with officials this season.
Virgil van Dijk was dismissed as Liverpool beat Newcastle on Sunday
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And former referee Halsey, writing for The Sun, thinks Van Dijk should receive a four-match ban as punishment for his actions.
"The new Liverpool captain fell well below the standards set by one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League," he wrote.
"I know Van Dijk’s only been captain for three games since Jordan Henderson moved to Saudi Arabia but if I was Jurgen Klopp I would already be thinking, "Is Virgil setting the right example?"
"Van Dijk’s abusive actions at St James’ Park also have an impact on the wider footballing world."
He added: "Van Dijk refused to accept the decision and took a total of two minutes 28 seconds to get down the tunnel from the moment he was dismissed.
"That attitude and conduct is simply not good enough from the new Anfield skipper.
"The Dutchman let himself down and his verbal outburst towards Brooks and then fourth official Craig Pawson was not befitting of his role.
"Brooks made the right call but the Liverpool defender still branded the decision a ‘f****** joke’.
"Van Dijk swore, gestured and constantly questioned Brooks following the red card.
"VAR confirmed that Brooks was spot on but that still wasn’t good enough for the centre-back. What on earth did he think was going to change?
"It was a bad image. And no wonder we have so many problems with officials trying to manage games at grassroots level.
"I’ve criticised Klopp for his abusive behaviour towards officials in the past.
"But, on this occasion, fair play to the Liverpool manager because he intervened as a peacemaker between Van Dijk and Pawson before pushing his own player towards the steps leading to the tunnel.
"Van Dijk will rightly receive a one-match ban for the straight red card but I believe his suspension should be increased.
"Of course, this will depend on Brooks’ official report but the abusive and insulting language used by the new Reds leader could be worthy of another RED CARD and result in an additional three-match ban.
"That would rule out Van Dijk for four matches in total - a fitting punishment for his poor conduct."
Newcastle were leading Liverpool 1-0 until the dying stages following a goal from Anthony Gordon.
But a late brace from Darwin Nunez ended up giving the Reds all three points.
Jurgen Klopp was then asked about Van Dijk's dismissal after the game.
And the German defended his skipper by saying: "I don’t think it is a red card.
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"It’s pretty much no contact, very little, and it’s on the way to the ball, but what can I say?
"The decision is like this, I cannot change it and I don’t want it.
"It’s just, would I give this in a training game? Definitely not. There are reasons why I am not a ref and they are."