Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been charged with improper conduct after being sent off the field during a game against Newcastle on Sunday.

In the first half of Liverpool's 2-1 triumph at St James' Park, Van Dijk was awarded a red card for a tackle on Newcastle's Alexander Isak.

PHOTO | COURTESY Virgil van Dijk

The Netherlands center-back was enraged by the decision and initially refused to leave the field while arguing with referee John Brooks.

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Van Dijk is serving a one-match suspension and will miss this weekend's game against Aston Villa.

However, his punishment might be increased following the Football Association's allegation on Tuesday for using abusive or insulting remarks towards an official.

PHOTO | COURTESY Virgil van Dijk

"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," the FA announced.

"It is alleged that the defender behaved inappropriately and/or used abusive and/or insulting language towards a match official."

Van Dijk has until Friday to reply to the charges leveled against him.

PHOTO | COURTESY Virgil van Dijk

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp criticized the decision to remove his defender straight after the game against Newcastle.

"I don't believe it's a red card." To be honest, there's hardly any touch, but what can I say? "This is the decision, and I cannot change it," he explained.

"Would I whistle during a practice game?" No, but there are reasons why I am not a referee."