{"id":23988,"date":"2025-08-26T09:25:08","date_gmt":"2025-08-26T09:25:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/23988\/"},"modified":"2025-08-26T09:25:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-26T09:25:08","slug":"anthony-gordon-explains-why-he-made-red-card-challenge-on-virgil-van-dijk-liverpool-fc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/23988\/","title":{"rendered":"Anthony Gordon explains why he made red card challenge on Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool FC"},"content":{"rendered":"

Anthony Gordon has apologised to Virgil van Dijk<\/a> for the challenge which earned him a red card on Monday night, explaining his motives for going in with force.<\/b><\/p>\n

Gordon was rightly dismissed at the end of the first half at St James\u2019 Park having attempted to press Liverpool\u2019s back line before throwing himself into a tackle on Van Dijk.<\/p>\n

While Gordon is an intelligent, conscientious footballer it was clear he became caught up in the atmosphere of the night.<\/p>\n

And writing on his Instagram<\/a> story, the 24-year-old admitted he was \u201ctrying to create energy in the game.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans. My intentions were pure,\u201d Gordon wrote.<\/p>\n

\u201cI was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle.<\/p>\n

\u201cI also want to apologise to Virgil, I would never intend to hurt somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The challenge, which missed the ball entirely, saw Gordon collide with Van Dijk\u2019s lower leg, leaving stud marks down his calf and risking serious damage to his ankle.<\/p>\n

Fortunately the defender escaped unscathed, but referee Simon Hooper was sent to the pitchside monitor by VAR and ruled it to have been a red card for a reckless challenge.<\/p>\n

It means Newcastle<\/a> will be without Gordon for the next three matches, which only aggravates the situation around Eddie Howe\u2019s lack of attacking options with Alexander Isak attempting to force a move to Liverpool.<\/p>\n

Gordon had been filling in as a No. 9 in Isak\u2019s absence, while Newcastle<\/a> are desperately seeking reinforcements \u2013 including a potential replacement for the Swede.<\/p>\n

\"NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE,<\/p>\n

Moves for Hugo Ekitike<\/a>, Joao Pedro, Matheus Cunha, Liam Delap and Benjamin Sesko have all proved unsuccessful, while bids for Yoane Wissa and Jorgen Strand Larsen have fallen short.<\/p>\n

The expectation is that clarity will be sought on Isak\u2019s future now the clash between his current club and his chosen destination has been played.<\/p>\n

Newcastle<\/a>\u2018s owners, including a delegation from Saudi Arabia\u2019s Public Investment Fund, visited the striker\u2019s home this week for talks over his future and to attempt to convince him to stay.<\/p>\n

The Mail<\/a>\u2018s Craig Hope reports that those talks included an informal offer of a new contract if Isak committed himself to the club for the season.<\/p>\n

Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who is governor of the PIF, was in attendance for Newcastle<\/a>\u2018s dramatic 3-2 loss.<\/p>\n

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