Virgil van Dijk makes ‘strange’ comment after Anthony Gordon Newcastle red card

The intense battle between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St. James’ Park was decided by the finest of margins, with a heartbreaking 100th-minute winner leaving the home side with nothing to show for a performance full of incredible spirit.

While the dramatic finish will dominate the headlines, a major talking point from the match was the first-half red card shown to Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, a decision that even the recipient of the challenge, Virgil van Dijk, found somewhat puzzling.

The incident occurred when Gordon launched into a tackle on the Liverpool defender. In real time, referee Simon Hooper deemed the challenge worthy of only a yellow card.

However, after being advised by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to take a second look at the monitor at the side of the pitch, he upgraded the sanction to a straight red, reducing Newcastle to ten men for the majority of the game.

What makes the situation particularly interesting is the reaction from van Dijk himself. While clearly believing the challenge was a sending-off offense, the Dutch captain expressed surprise that the referee needed to review it in the first place.

Speaking after the match, he stated, “I said to him ‘if this is not a sending off, I don’t understand football’… I think it was already strange the referee has to go to the monitor in my opinion.”

His comments highlight the ongoing debate around VAR, suggesting that some fouls should be clear enough for the on-field official to make an immediate decision without needing a second opinion.

Despite the frustration of the moment, the aftermath was marked by a notable display of sportsmanship. Anthony Gordon was quick to issue a sincere and public apology after the final whistle.

In his statement, he expressed regret to his teammates and the Newcastle fans, explaining that his intention was only to generate energy for his team and that he simply misjudged the timing of the tackle.

Crucially, he also extended a direct apology to van Dijk, assuring everyone that he would never intentionally set out to hurt another player.

Gordon confirmed that the two had spoken after the match and that van Dijk understood there was no malicious intent.

This mature response from Gordon, coupled with van Dijk’s acknowledgment of the incident’s accidental nature, shows the professional respect that exists between players even in the heat of a fiercely competitive Premier League match.

For Newcastle, the red card was a pivotal moment that undoubtedly changed the game’s strategy and momentum, forcing them to play from behind with a numerical disadvantage for over an hour.

The fact that they managed to fight back from two goals down to level the score is a testament to the team’s incredible heart and determination.

While the late loss is a bitter pill to swallow, the character shown by the players provides a strong foundation to build upon.

Gordon’s apology and acceptance of responsibility, rather than complaining about the decision, reflects well on the culture manager Eddie Howe is building at the club.

These moments, as difficult as they are, often reveal more about a team’s spirit than a comfortable victory ever could.

The fans, despite the result, will be immensely proud of the fight their team showed, and they will be eagerly awaiting Gordon’s return, ready to support him once he has served his suspension.