Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has released a public apology after receiving a highly debated red card in Monday’s Premier League meeting with Liverpool at St. James’ Park.
The sending off occurred late in the opening half following a reckless challenge on Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk, who had recently spoken out regarding Alexander Isak’s transfer saga. Gordon’s studs left clear marks on the defender’s calf as a result of the foul.
Posting on Instagram not long after full-time, Gordon — who had made a fiery statement toward Liverpool before kick-off — wrote: “I want to apologise sincerely to my teammates and the supporters. My intentions were good. I only wanted to lift the energy of the game but I mistimed the tackle.”
He also addressed Van Dijk directly, adding: “I want to say sorry to Virgil as well. I would never go in to hurt anyone on purpose. We spoke after the game and he understood that.”
Replays highlighted the seriousness of the challenge. Van Dijk immediately grabbed his calf, while cameras later showed two deep stud lines across his leg. Referee Simon Hooper first produced a yellow, but VAR intervention saw the card upgraded to red for dangerous play.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe criticised the verdict but stood by his player. He explained that although the tackle was clumsy and over-committed, there was “no malice or bad intention.” He labelled the sending off “harsh” and expressed support for Gordon.
In his statement, Gordon added a hopeful note: “What matters most is how proud I felt of our display and my minutes on the pitch. The support inside SJP is what makes this place unique.”
“I adore everything this club stands for, especially in tough moments. I’ll come back stronger, just as I have with every setback before. I’ll see you all soon.”
His words underline the passion and intensity of the clash. The dismissal further deepened Newcastle’s striker issues, with Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson already missing through injury.
Reduced to ten, Newcastle fought back as Bruno Guimarães and William Osula scored to equalise, before Liverpool debutant Rio Ngumoha struck a stoppage-time winner to seal victory.
Experts, including ex-referee Mark Halsey, backed the decision, insisting the offence met all conditions for serious foul play due to force and contact area. Club legend Alan Shearer was blunter, branding the tackle “needless.”
Gordon now faces up to a three-game suspension, worsening Newcastle’s attacking crisis. With several absentees already sidelined, Howe must urgently find answers to an increasingly difficult problem.
