Gordon Apologizes To Newcastle And Van Dijk For Hard Drop Ended Red Card

Anthony Gordon has apologized for his neat tackle to Virgil van Dijk which resulted in a red card (Instagram/@anthonygordon).

JAKARTA - Anthony Gordon has apologized to the team, Newcastle United supporters, and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool for the direct red card he received in his team's dramatic 2-3 defeat in the Premier League on Monday, August 26, 2025, early morning WIB.

The 24-year-old was sent off in the third minute of first-half injury time after the video referee assistant (VAR) recommended a red card for his hard tackle against Van Dijk.

The tackle left a clearly visible scar on the Liverpool captain's right calf.

After the final whistle sounded, Gordon uploaded on his Instagram account an apology.

"I would like to sincerely apologize to my teammates and supporters. My intentions are pure. I'm just trying to create energy in the game and I made the wrong time to tackle."

"I also want to apologize to Virgil, I never intended to tackle someone like this on purpose. We spoke afterwards and he knows that."

"More importantly, I am very proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight."

"It was all of you Atmosphere that made St James' Park so special. I love everything we stand for as a club."

"I'll come back and get better, just like every setback I've ever faced. See you later," wrote Gordon.

Gordon's premature exit was just one aspect of the fierce encounter that took place amid Liverpool's efforts to get Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.

Head coach Eddie Howe, who is awaiting news of midfielders Sandro Tonali and Joelinton, has mixed feelings after the most tense match -- witnessed by Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan hours after club owners reportedly met Isak to discuss his future at the time of this summer's transfer market.

Howe insists that he has not been involved in hot news lately--the club has turned down an offer of 110 million pounds from Liverpool for Isak and has not been able to find a suitable replacement for Callum Wilson and the Swedish player--and has preferred to concentrate on the players who are close to achieving outstanding results against the Reds.

"They really made me proud. Their passion and togetherness were never in doubt."

"They are really closely tied up in Newcastle. They want to be here, they want to play, and they are connected to the club, in a very deep way. All players need to feel that bond," Howe said.