Anthony Gordon has apologised publicly after being sent off in Newcastle United’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday night for a reckless tackle on the verge of halftime.
The England forward, playing once again as Newcastle’s makeshift No. 9 with Alexander Isak absent, was dismissed in first-half stoppage time for a nonsensical lunge on Reds defender Virgil van Dijk.
Referee Simon Hooper initially issued a yellow card before VAR upgraded it to a straight red. Van Dijk was left with stud marks on his
leg, sparking strong criticism of Gordon’s challenge, with Alan Shearer describing it as “stupid”.
Gordon, 24, took to Instagram after the match to offer apologies to his team-mates, supporters, and the Liverpool captain.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my team-mates and the fans,” Gordon wrote. “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.”
The red card and subsequent three-match ban will leave Eddie Howe without Gordon for a few Premier League matches, including this weekend’s trip to Leeds and matchups against Wolves and Bournemouth, further complicating Newcastle’s attacking options with Isak on strike and Callum Wilson having departed earlier this summer.
Despite going down to ten men, Newcastle fought back from two goals down to draw level before Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha sealed victory in the 100th minute, with the Magpies now having earned just one point of six possible in the first two games of the season.
