Liverpool's fans may have started the week on an absolute high after the incredible comeback win against Newcastle; but it may end on a low.
Liverpool will be without Konate for the game against Aston Villa on Sunday and they will be without Virgil Van Dijk; Liverpool will not appeal this red card as it was the correct call by referee John Brooks. If Virgil had done the tackle inside the box then it would of been a penalty and a yellow card (Double jeopardy rule)
The biggest issue for Liverpool comes down to the new captain being charged with "Improper Conduct" towards the referee and the fourth official. This normally wouldn't be an issue for a player like Virgil who doesn't get cautioned for improper behavior or abuse.
BUT PGMOL may use Virgil as a example to all the players and coaches to try reduce the amount of reds and yellows shown this season (Which is astronomical, 9 RED CARDS IN 3 GAME WEEKS) Liverpool may get an IRON FIST punishment, hoping that it sends a message to all the other teams in the league. Instead of giving Virgil a standard fine and a slap on the wrist, which would be the case in previous seasons.
This punishment could include giving Virgil an extended ban for 2-3 games rather than just the one, which in a controversial year already could cause major issues. Especially to a team that gets the butt end of the stick. PGMOL may wish to cause no more issues with Liverpool since the bad blood between the two will reach boiling point soon. Liverpool fans will definitely demand justice for Robertson against Constantine Hatzidakis with the elbow incident if Virgil is given a harsh punishment.
PGMOL is on a knifes edge at the moment; do they assign the normal punishment and give Virgil a fine and a slap on the wrist to not do it again or do they try and send an example to the League and Rule with an IRON FIST, making Improper conduct a more serious offence.
What ever the outcome is Liverpool will have a tough game against Aston Villa on Sunday without Konate and Virgil.
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