Anthony Gordon was sent off in the first-half during Liverpool's 3-2 win over Newcastle United
Anthony Gordon.
Anthony Gordon has issued a public apology to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after his challenge resulted in a red card.
(Image: Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has apologised to Virgil van Dijk following his rash challenge during Liverpool's 3-2 win. The former Everton player was shown a straight red card in the first-half as the Reds squandered a two-goal lead before needing 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to seal the points deep into stoppage time.
On the stroke of half-time, Gordon handed the advantage to the visitors as he lunged in on the Liverpool captain, leaving the Dutchman in a heap. Simon Hooper originally gave a yellow card for the challenge but he was referred to the VAR monitor and overturned his own decision.
By that point, Liverpool had been forced to weather an onslaught from Eddie Howe's side before Ryan Gravenberch broke the deadlock against the run of play.
Gordon will now sit out of the next three Newcastle matches during an important period for the club. Already, they have missed out on transfer targets in attacking areas, saw a bid rejected for Jacob Strand Larsen, face a delay in signing Yoane Wissa and have record-signing Alexander Isak left in the cold following his bitter transfer saga.
Now they will be without their alternative to Isak, while they scour the market for reinforcements up front, and taking to Instagram after the dramatic defeat, Gordon issued an apology.
"I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans," the statement began.
"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.
Anthony Gordon's statement apologising to Virgil van Dijk and those associated with Newcastle.
Anthony Gordon's statement apologising to Virgil van Dijk and those associated with Newcastle.
"More importantly, I'm so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight.
"The atmosphere from you all is what makes SJP (St James' Park) so special. I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now.
"I'll be back and better, the same as every other setback I've ever faced. See you soon."
Liverpool took advantage against the 10-man Magpies and Hugo Ekitike, who was subjected to jeers after snubbing a summer move in favour of joining the Reds, made it three goals in as many games to continue his superb start.
However, the Reds' defensive frailties came back to haunt them once again as they relinquished a two-goal lead.
Milos Kerkez was caught at the back post and allowed Bruno Guimaraes to tower over him to head home and reduce the arrears.
Then late on, substitute William Osula capitalised on a long free-kick which was poorly judged by Ibrahima Konate, allowing the forward to break through and fire beyond Alisson.
Liverpool had to weather a late surge of pressure from the hosts but in the 10th-minute of stoppage time, Ngumoha capped his first Premier League appearance in style.
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