Virgil van Dijk said Saturday he had learned “a hard and expensive lesson” after receiving an an extra one-game ban and a £100,000 ($124,000) fine after his angry reaction to a red card against Newcastle.
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The Dutch defender admitted acting in an improper manner following his dismissal for a foul on Newcastle’s Alexander Isak in the first half of Liverpool’s 2-1 victory at St James’ Park in August.

The furious Van Dijk felt the tackle was not worthy of a sending off and he initially refused to leave the pitch before arguing with referee John Brooks as he swore at the match official.

An automatic one-match ban saw Van Dijk suspended for the 3-0 win over Aston Villa before the international break.
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But on Friday he also received an additional suspension, ruling him out of the Reds’ trip to Wolves on September 16.

“It has been a hard and expensive lesson,” Van Dijk said during the Netherlands pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

“I can’t really say more about it. I have accepted it and I am happy that there is an end to it.”

The centre-back added: “Hopefully the money goes to the right people. A good cause is always better.”

Sunday’s Group B match is a must-win contest for Ireland, who trail the Dutch by three points having played a game more.

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