Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has publicly issued an apology following his highly controversial red card in Monday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at St. James’ Park.
For a rivalry that rarely disappoints, Liverpool’s trip to St James’ Park on Monday evening was never likely to pass quietly. And true to form, it produced everything — five goals, a red card, furious debates over refereeing decisions, a teenage hero, and a late twist that will live long in the memory.
The champions began their away campaign in the Premier League with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
Two goals and a man down, the Magpies struck back with strikes from Bruno Guimarães and William Osula, only to concede a stoppage-time winner thanks to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The teenager became the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s top-flight history when he struck in the 99th minute to seal the win.
But while Liverpool will savour the sight of their latest prodigy grabbing headlines, the defining controversy of the night revolved around Anthony Gordon, whose reckless first-half challenge on Virgil van Dijk left Newcastle a man down and shifted the entire momentum of the contest.
This fixture always carries an extra edge. From the title-race epics of the 1990s to last season’s Carabao Cup final at Wembley, where Newcastle famously toppled Liverpool to end their long wait for silverware, these encounters rarely lack drama.
Add to that the summer-long transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak and Liverpool’s interest in the Swede, and the atmosphere inside St James’ Park was charged from the outset. The home fans were in full voice, and Eddie Howe’s players responded with an aggressive, front-footed start designed to unsettle the champions.
Inside the opening 20 minutes, Newcastle pressed high, thundered into tackles, and pinned Liverpool back. For a time, it seemed their strategy might just work.
But Liverpool, as ever, possess the kind of clinical quality that punishes lapses. Against the run of play, they took the lead on 35 minutes when Ryan Gravenberch surged from midfield to calmly slot home after a sweeping move.
It was a goal that silenced the home crowd and briefly reminded Newcastle of the fine margins at this level. Yet, just as the game appeared to tilt towards the Reds, the turning point came.
With half-time looming, Van Dijk moved to clear a loose ball near the edge of his own box. Gordon, perhaps desperate to spark his side back into life, arrived late and lunged in with excessive force. His studs raked down the Liverpool captain’s calf, leaving Van Dijk writhing on the turf.
Referee Simon Hooper initially produced a yellow card, but the VAR team swiftly intervened. After a lengthy review, Hooper was instructed to check the pitch-side monitor. Moments later, his decision was overturned and announced to the rest inside the ground.
Hooper explained to the crowd in a rare in-game announcement.
“After review, the Newcastle 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 Newcastle United number 10.”
St James’ Park erupted in fury, but replays showed little room for argument — Gordon’s challenge was rash, dangerous, and avoidable.
Van Dijk, though clearly in pain, was able to continue after treatment, showing his resilience as captain. Gordon, by contrast, trudged off with minimal protest, perhaps realising the gravity of his error.
The Premier League later issued a statement confirming the dismissal was for serious foul play. As a result, the winger will now serve a three-match ban, ruling him out of Newcastle’s trip to Leeds, the home clash with Wolves on September 13, and the away match at Bournemouth on September 20.
He will, however, be eligible for Newcastle’s Champions League opener in mid-September, before returning domestically for the Carabao Cup third round.
It is a significant blow for Eddie Howe as they remain without a striker.
The game descended into a frenetic back-and-forth. Ten-man Newcastle matched Liverpool for endeavour, and roared on by their supporters, they looked set to hang on for a valuable point after Bruno Guimarães levelled the match at 2-2 heading into stoppage time.
After the match, Gordon took to social media to break his silence. His message was part-apology, part-defiance.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans. 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.
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 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.”
It was a heartfelt statement from a player who, by his own admission, grew up a Liverpool supporter. But words alone will not undo the damage caused to Newcastle’s hopes on the night, nor spare him his looming absence.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher summed it up bluntly.
“It’s daft from Gordon. He was the best player on the pitch before that moment, but you simply cannot dive into a challenge like that, especially with VAR in the game now. He’s cost his team.”
Arne Slot’s side showed both their frailty and their resilience as Van Dijk led the celebrations with the travelling Kop at full-time. Still bearing the stud marks down his calf, the Reds and their captain could reflect on a chaotic, bruising, but ultimately triumphant night.
