Newcastle star Anthony Gordon has issued a public apology to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his horror red card tackle while insisting that his "intentions were pure". The 23-year-old was initially shown a yellow card, but referee Simon Hooper upgraded it to a straight red following a VAR review. It was a reckless challenge as Gordon’s studs raked the back of Van Dijk's calf.
Gordon apologises after red card tackleDefended his actions on social mediaSet to serve three-game banFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱GettyWHAT HAPPENED?
Before the red card chaos, Newcastle were already behind. Ryan Gravenberch stunned the home crowd with a thunderous long-range strike that flew past Nick Pope midway through the first half. With the whistle for the half-time break looming, Gordon then flew in with his reckless challenge, which forced the Magpies to play the entire second half with 10 men.
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After the final whistle, Gordon took to Instagram to issue a heartfelt statement. He admitted the tackle was poorly timed but insisted there was no malice behind it.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans. My intentions were pure. I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle," he wrote.
He also extended a personal apology to Van Dijk, adding: "I also want to apologise to Virgil. I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.”
Despite the dismissal, Gordon stressed his pride in the team’s performance, while praising the electric atmosphere at St. James’ Park.
"More importantly, I’m so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight. The atmosphere from you all is what makes SJP so special," he said.
"I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now. I’ll be back and better, the same as every other setback I’ve ever faced. See you soon."
Getty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Hugo Ekitike smashed in the visitors’ second from close range one minute after the restart. However, with their backs against the wall, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle mounted a spirited response. In the 57th minute, Bruno Guimaraes rose highest to power home a header, breathing life into the contest. Will Osula then found the equaliser just two minutes in the 88th minute, but just when it looked like the Magpies had pulled off an extraordinary rescue, Anfield’s latest wonderkid had other ideas. Sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha's strike in the 100th minute sealed a dramatic 3-2 win for Liverpool.
AFPWHAT NEXT FOR GORDON?
For Gordon, the nightmare is far from over. His dismissal means he is now set to miss three matches through suspension, further denting Newcastle’s attacking options. With confidence bruised and frustrations high, Newcastle must recover quickly ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leeds United.
