Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has publicly apologised to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after being sent off for a reckless first-half challenge during his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at St James’ Park.
The 23-year-old, a former Everton player, saw red on the stroke of half-time when he lunged into Van Dijk, leaving the Dutchman in visible discomfort.
Referee Simon Hooper initially brandished a yellow card but, following a VAR review, upgraded the decision to a straight red.
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At that stage, Newcastle had been piling pressure on the visitors before Ryan Gravenberch stunned the home crowd by scoring against the run of play.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon has publicly apologised to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk after being sent off for a reckless first-half challenge during his side’s dramatic 3-2 defeat at St James’ Park
|PA
Gordon’s dismissal changed the complexion of the contest, forcing Eddie Howe’s side to play the entire second half a man down.
The forward will now serve a three-match suspension at a time when Newcastle are already struggling for options in attack.
With Alexander Isak frozen out amid his transfer stand-off, and the club missing out on key targets such as Jacob Strand Larsen and Yoane Wissa, Gordon’s absence is a further blow for Howe’s plans.
Taking to Instagram after the match, Gordon issued a lengthy statement expressing regret for his actions.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans,” he wrote.
“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.
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16-year-old Rio Ngumoha wins all three points at the death for Liverpool! 🤯 pic.twitter.com/85jkiAfCrE
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"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.”
Liverpool, who welcomed 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha into their side off the bench for the first time, made the most of their numerical advantage.
Summer signing Hugo Ekitike - jeered by Newcastle fans after snubbing a move to Tyneside - scored his third goal in as many games to double the lead.
But defensive lapses threatened to undo their work.
Bruno Guimaraes powered home a header to spark hope for the hosts before substitute William Osula pounced on a long free-kick that Ibrahima Konate misjudged, making it 2-2.
Just when it looked as though Newcastle would snatch an unlikely point, Ngumoha struck deep into stoppage time, sealing victory on his Premier League debut and restoring Liverpool’s lead in the final moments of an extraordinary contest.
Meanwhile, Newcastle boss Howe has defended Gordon following his red card - insisting he didn't go in with any bad intent.
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Anthony Gordon has been defended by Newcastle boss Eddie Howe after his red card against Liverpool
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"I've only seen it once back and it was very quick as the game was going on," he said.
"I think Anthony was going in full blooded into the challenge and he's tried to pull out and slipped and his momentums taken him in.
"It didn't look good but I don't think there was any intent."