Anthony Gordon Apologizes For Red Card In Newcastle\'s Liverpool Loss
Anthony Gordon issued public apologies to Newcastle United teammates and Liverpool\'s Virgil van Dijk following his straight red card in Monday\'s dramatic 3-2 Premier League defeat at St. James\' Park.
The 24-year-old winger was dismissed in the third minute of first-half stoppage time after VAR recommended a red card for his challenge on van Dijk. The tackle left visible stud marks on the Liverpool captain\'s right calf and forced Newcastle to play the second half with ten men.
Gordon posted an Instagram apology acknowledging his mistimed challenge while maintaining his intentions were pure. He emphasized wanting to create energy in the game rather than cause harm to van Dijk.
Personal Apology to van Dijk
\"I want to sincerely apologize 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,\" Gordon wrote on Instagram.
\"I also want to apologize to Virgil, I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.\"
Transfer Speculation Backdrop
The incident occurred against the backdrop of Liverpool\'s pursuit of Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Newcastle have rejected a $148.5 million bid from Liverpool for the Swedish striker, with club chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan present at the match hours after reportedly meeting with Isak.
Manager Eddie Howe praised his players\' spirit following the defeat while awaiting injury updates on midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton. The manager emphasized the connection his core players have with Newcastle amid ongoing transfer speculation.
\"Those guys do make me proud. Their spirit and togetherness has never been in question,\" Howe said. \"They\'re absolutely entwined in Newcastle. They want to be here, they want to play, they\'re connected to the club in a way that\'s really deep.\"
Via ESPN