Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has apologised to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his harsh challenge, which resulted in his sending off, Afrosport reports.
The 24-year-old Englishman was given a straight red card after referee Simon Hooper consulted with the VAR pitch-side monitor.
The Magpies put in a solid effort despite their numerical disadvantage, but ultimately lost the match 3-2 after Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner.
Reflecting on the incident, Gordon said in a statement on his Instagram Stories, said: “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 proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played. The atmosphere from you all is what makes 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 faced.”
Anthony Gordon is sent off for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk just before half-time 🟥
Newcastle will have to stage any second half comeback a man down pic.twitter.com/7cTuBysPQx
— Premier League (@premierleague) August 25, 2025
Gordon’s red card will see him miss Newcastle’s next three league games against Leeds United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth, and will return for a home tie against Arsenal on September 28.
His absence will be a big blow for manager Eddie Howe, who has been utilising him as a false nine in the absence of want-away striker Alexander Isak, whose future at the club remains unknown with less than a week to go to the end of the summer transfer window.
Howe could also be without influential midfielders Joelinton and Sandro Tonali, who picked up injuries in the Liverpool game.
