After an incident involving a penalty while playing for the Netherlands, Virgil van Dijk promised to keep his cool while communicating with officials.

After being sent off in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League victory against Newcastle on August 27, Van Dijk has come under scrutiny for his actions. After hauling down Alexander Isak with one player left on the field, the Reds captain was relieved of his duties.

And he didn’t go down without a fight, calling the result a “f***ing joke” in an expletive-laced tirade directed at referee John Brooks and fourth official Craig Pawson. After being found guilty, Van Dijk was given a two-game suspension and a fine of £100,000.

Then, in an effort to put the episode behind him, Van Dijk issued an apology and pledged to learn from his mistakes. But on Sunday night in Dublin, he showed his hot head again as he let up a penalty to Ireland in a Euro 2024 qualifier.

After Shane Duffy’s near-post header struck Virgil van Dijk in the hand, a penalty kick was given to Ireland. The referee had already pointed to the area when the Dutch captain started yelling at him, but his protests went unheeded.

Adam Idah scored the next penalty, but Van Dijk’s Liverpool teammate Cody Gakpo equalized by burying a penalty kick into the same corner. That tied the game at one at halftime, although Van Dijk may have had a talking-to from Ronald Koeman for his antics.

At Newcastle, he was found guilty of “acting in an improper manner and using abusive and insulting words towards a match official” after being dismissed from the game. Thereafter, he issued a statement reading, “Following the announcement today I’d just like to make clear I totally accept the panel’s decision.”It was my first red card for Liverpool, and it came about because I let my temper get the best of me. I quickly apologized to the referees and umpires after the game and accept full responsibility. Now is the time to take action. I’m committed to helping the team in whatever way I can.

He continued while on international duty, saying, “That was not typical for me but that was the red card anyway.”

Never before at Liverpool, and maybe perhaps four times total in my career. Despite that, I’ve gotten off to a good start this season. At the moment, I’m powerful and feeling fine. The results against Chelsea and Bournemouth were encouraging. The game got off to a good start until the red card. I can’t wait to go back there.

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On Saturday, September 16 against Wolves, Liverpool will play their next game without Van Dijk.