Virgil van Dijk in danger of increased suspension as Liverpool captain is hit with FA charge after red card

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk is facing a longer spell out through suspension after being charged by the Football Association.

The defender was sent off against Newcastle on Sunday after being adjudged to have fouled Alexander Isak as the last man.

Van Dijk is facing a longer suspension after his red cardGetty

The Liverpool captain was set to miss one Premier League match through suspension but that could be extended now.

That is because the FA have charged Van Dijk after a show of dissent towards referee John Brooks, the FA saying the player used ‘abusive or insulting language’ towards a match official.

The Dutchman was seen gesticulating and shouting in the referee’s face in the aftermath of the decision before finally departing the pitch.

He also had to be ushered away by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp after making his way off.

The FA have charged Van Dijk with acting in an “improper manner” following his red card against Newcastle.

The 32-year-old was already set to miss Liverpool’s match against Aston Villa on Saturday.

But now the centre-back could miss further games against West Ham, Wolves but Klopp will be desperate for him to return for the following fixture against Tottenham.

Speaking on talkSPORT’s White & Jordan Show, Karl Robinson warned Van Dijk he faced further charges for his actions.

Van Dijk has been charged by the FAGetty

Van Dijk had to be ushered away by KloppGetty

talkSPORT’s Jim White asked: “Could it get worse before it gets better for [Van Dijk]? Because of this stamping out of abuse to referees.

“He is banned for one game, and it looks like it might be more because of what he gave to John Brooks in the face verbally.”

Former Oxford United boss and Liverpool fan Robinson replied: “I think it has to. I am a little hypocritical because I would have done the same.

“You have an obligation with the world watching to accept your punishment, whether it was right or wrong.

“I can see more games being put on top of the suspension.”