Virgil van Dijk’s statement after the prolonged ban by FA 

With Virgil van Dijk handed a £100,000 fine and a one-match ban for his red card at Newcastle, the Liverpool captain has issued a statement.

Van Dijk had already ruled out the Reds’ 3-0 win over Aston Villa due to the suspension he received for a straight red card at St James’ Park.

But Friday brought the expected news that, because of his reaction to being sacked for taking out last man Alexander Isak, he would also miss another game.

The FA confirmed that Van Dijk’s suspension had been extended to the away match against Wolves on 16 September, with the centre-back also fined £100,000.

In a statement on his Instagram story shortly afterwards, Van Dijk wrote: “I would like to make it clear that I fully accept the jury’s decision.

“It was the first red card of my Liverpool career and I let my frustration get the better of me in an intense and passionate moment.

“I apologized to the match officials immediately after the game and I take full responsibility for that.

“Now is the time to move forward. I will continue to support the team in any way I can.

NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND – Sunday August 27, 2023: Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk walks away after being shot during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James’ Park.
Liverpool won 2-1.
(Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)

Van Dijk’s broadcast came after a lengthy discussion between referee John Brooks and VAR Stuart Attwell, with audio of the incident sent to Sky Sports.

Brooks’ initial decision stood, with Dutch protesting the entire time as the officer told him, “Don’t do anything stupid.”

After VAR confirmation, Brooks insisted Van Dijk should “go now”, with the player telling the referee his decision was a “bloody joke”.

Fourth official Craig Pawson then tried to calm the number four down on the touchline, with Van Dijk telling him: “Don’t touch me” before heading into the tunnel.

The FA statement on Friday said: “The defender admitted acting inappropriately and using abusive and insulting words towards a match official after being sent off in the 29th minute.”

More news…….

Fabrizio Romano responds to the unexpected Liverpool transfer rumor of a swap.

Despite transfer rumors involving a potential swap deal for Joao Felix, Liverpool never thought about selling Darwin Nunez this summer.

Fabrizio Romano made this claim in his exclusive CaughtOffside column in response to some claims that Liverpool had the option of swapping Nunez for Felix.

The Uruguayan international didn’t have the easiest time in his first season at Anfield last year, but it appears that manager Jurgen Klopp and the club’s board were all in favor of keeping him.

There doesn’t seem to be much substance to this story as Nunez is reportedly content at Liverpool and proud of being seen as untouchable by the Merseyside giants, according to Romano.

Romano is quick to provide accurate information on which stories are worth paying attention to and which are exaggerated or even lacking in substance.
There is always a ton of rumors and speculation throughout the summer and even in between the transfer windows.

Darwin Nunez – Despite rumors that a trade for Joao Felix was under consideration, Liverpool never wanted Darwin Nunez to leave this summer, according to Romano.

“On the club side, the decision to retain Darwin was made in a very clear manner by the board and the manager. Darwin was overjoyed when Liverpool declared him untouchable