Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has issued a grovelling statement after being shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk on Monday night
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has delivered a heartfelt apology following his red card against Liverpool – with Alan Shearer backing the referee’s decision.
Gordon, 24, caught Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk on the back of the calf with his studs whilst trying to press the defender during Monday’s Premier League encounter. The England ace was initially brandished a yellow card before VAR intervened in the final moments of the first half.
Referee Simon Hooper changed his mind to red after reviewing the challenge on the touchline monitor, leaving the Magpies a man down.
Controversy immediately followed over whether Gordon deserved his marching orders. However, Tyneside icon Shearer, watching from the stands, had no doubts and declared on X: “What a stupid challenge man. It’s a red card all day.”
Gordon’s dismissal came with his team already trailing 1-0, and Newcastle shipped a second goal within a minute of the restart. The Magpies battled brilliantly and staged a remarkable fightback, only for Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha to snatch victory with a 3-2 winner deep into added time.
After the crushing loss, Gordon posted a message on Instagram, writing: “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. 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.
“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.
“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.”
Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe expressed his belief that Gordon was ‘slightly unlucky’ to receive a red card after viewing a replay of the tackle before the second half commenced. He said: “I think there’s no intent and he’s gone in, of course, probably too quickly.
“I think he’s tried to pull out and not commit any damage to Virgil as he’s gone in to slide. It’s an unfortunate one, I think he’s slightly unlucky with it.
“Everyone’s told me it’s a clear red. My first opinion was slightly different but maybe I’ve got the wrong angle, so I’ve got sympathy for him.”
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