Referee Simon Hooper looks at the pitchside monitor
Referee Simon Hooper sent off Anthony Gordon after a VAR review
The Premier League have explained why was sent off for a foul on in Newcastle's clash with after he was initially shown a yellow card. The incident occurred late on in the first-half, with Gordon flying into Van Dijk from behind.
Referee Simon Hooper initially showed Gordon a yellow card, but he was instructed by VAR to take another look at the challenge on the pitchside monitor.
And Hooper ultimately decided to overturn his decision, showing Gordon a straight red for "serious foul play".
"After VAR review, the referee overturned his on-field decision of a yellow card to Anthony Gordon," the Match Centre explained on social media.
They then quoted Hooper's explanation, which read: "After review, the United number 10 commits a serious foul play challenge.
"The challenge is with speed and makes clear contact on the Liverpool number 4's calf. My final decision is red card to number 10."
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer agreed with Hooper's decision, writing on social media: "What a stupid challenge man. It's a red card all day."
Former forward Theo Walcott added on the BBC's Monday Night Club: "It's a striker's tackle. He's gone with the wrong leg. He's still got that fire in the belly and he's not thinking there at all.
"It always looks worse when it's slowed down but Virgil van Dijk wouldn't go down if he wasn't hurt. It's a red card, for me."
Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool reacts after being fouled by Anthony Gordon
Gordon was shown a straight red card after a VAR review
Premier League legend Thierry Henry told : "At the time it happened, I said it was a red. Why put yourself in this situation? He [Gordon] gets carried away with what's been happening but you can't argue."
Newcastle were 1-0 down when Gordon was sent off, with Ryan Gravenberch putting Liverpool ahead with a long-range effort. Hugo Ekitike then made it 2-0 just 23 seconds into the second-half after a well worked move.
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