Virgil van Dijk caught Anthony Gordon in the face with his shoulder
Ian Wright and Roy Keane both felt Newcastle should have been given a penalty
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By SAM BROOKES
Published: 15:30 EST, 4 December 2024 | Updated: 15:46 EST, 4 December 2024
Ian Wright and Roy Keane were both in agreement that Newcastle were denied a clear penalty in the first half of their Premier League clash with Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Newcastle had gone in front just after the half-hour mark through a fierce strike from Alexander Isak, and had a glorious chance to double their lead when Anthony Gordon raced through on goal following a Joe Gomez error.
Gordon's effort was kept out by Caoimhin Kelleher, but as the goalkeeper went to pounce on the loose ball, Gordon was knocked to the ground after being caught in the face by the shoulder of Virgil van Dijk.
The replays did not make for particularly pleasant viewing for the Liverpool captain, and Keane and Wright were in no doubt that he had got away with one.
Speaking on the Stick to Football Watchalong, brought to you by Sky Bet, Wright said: 'He knows exactly what he’s doing. That’s a pen.'
Keane was in agreement with Wright, as he added: 'That’s a penalty.'
Virgil van Dijk caught Anthony Gordon in the face with his shoulder inside the penalty area
Gordon was left in a heap on the floor but was not given a penalty
Roy Keane and Ian Wright both felt Newcastle should have been awarded a penalty
Gordon was left on the floor in a heap before gingerly getting back to his feet and carrying on.
The game was briefly paused while he was down and VAR reviewed the incident but decided not to step in to encourage the referee to take another look on the pitchside monitor.
Play resumed with a drop ball to Liverpool and they managed to see out the rest of the half to remain just a goal down at the break.
Van Dijk had endured a difficult first half, which may have explained his frustration as he ran into Gordon.
Newcastle enjoyed the better of the first 45 minutes, and got their reward when Isak twisted away from Van Dijk and fired past Kelleher.
But Liverpool remained in the contest, and levelled five minutes after half time through a clever finish from Curtis Jones.