Newcastle United fans were in uproar after Virgil van Dijk flattened Anthony Gordon during Wednesday’s dramatic draw.
Eddie Howe delivered on his promise to “entertain” at Newcastle United with the Magpies drawing 3-3 with Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday evening.
Alexander Isak put on a “special” display and opened the scoring with a long-range effort. Curtis Jones drew the visitors level but Liverpool target Anthony Gordon silenced his critics by restoring Newcastle’s lead.
Anthony Gordon has not been at his best this season, but he boasts a fantastic record against the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’ and he extended that record by scoring against Liverpool at St James’ Park.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 2-1 during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and L...
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
Should Virgil van Dijk have been sent off for Anthony Gordon incident?
Before scoring his goal, Gordon wasted a huge opportunity after being played through one-on-one.
After his miss, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk needlessly charged at Gordon and left him on the ground after shouldering him.
Newcastle fans were understandably outraged by the incident, which was bizarrely cleared by VAR official Stuart Attwell.
Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher has now given his thoughts on the incident during Ref Watch.
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On the Van Dijk and Gordon incident, Gallagher said: “There’s two players running away, side-by-side. Does he throw his arm into him? His arms are by the side. Does he know what he’s doing? What you would say is he doesn’t use his elbow as a weapon.
“It’s certainly not one, he draws it off. I think all in all the referee judged it as a coming together. VAR looked at it, said no, so on-field decision is the best result.
“They have to say if it’s going to be a red card, is it violent conduct? As we see, there is a clash, but I always think, clenched fist, draw the elbow back, that’s when you think violent. He doesn’t do that, it’s by his side. He leaves a bit on him, but not enough for the referee.”
Virgil van Dijk lucky to not see red vs Newcastle
Despite Gallagher’s comments, Van Dijk was very lucky to not be sent off against Newcastle.
He is nowhere near the ball when he decides to charge down Gordon, who had just missed a chance on goal. There was no intent to play or win the ball, the only intent was to leave Gordon on the turf.
READ MORE: The real reason why Newcastle United think Anthony Gordon is struggling this season
Overall, Newcastle will be disappointed to have not beaten Liverpool after dominating most of the game.
A number of referee decisions didn’t go in Newcastle’s favour, including this incident involving Van Dijk.
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