Liverpool’s Van Dijk Reveals What He ‘Told’ Anthony Gordon After Newcastle Red Card

Virgil van Dijk has given his verdict on Anthony Gordon’s red card during Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 win over Newcastle on Monday night. The Reds were largely outplayed at St James’ Park, yet despite that, earned a two-goal lead before they were pegged back prior to Rio Ngumoha’s 100th-minute winner.

The first two Liverpool goals, which came against the run of play, were sandwiched between Gordon’s red card for a reckless challenge on Van Dijk, which left the defender with stud marks down his calf. Alan Shearer was one of those critical of the tackle, but Van Dijk shared his feelings after the game, and his opinion differed from that of the Newcastle legend.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Van Dijk revealed that he told Gordon he didn’t think the tackle was worthy of a dismissal and admitted to being surprised that the original decision of a yellow card was overturned.

Despite Van Dijk’s claims, Thierry Henry – who was on punditry duty for Sky for the game – claimed that while challenges like this would’ve been okay in his day, there could be no arguments about the fact it was a sending off today.

“In our day, it is maybe a foul. Possibly a yellow, but not a red,” Henry explained before going on to deliver some criticism of the England international.

“Why do you do it to yourself? I don’t understand. It’s too far to reach him. You know it’s too far to reach him. He gets carried away with what’s been happening and I can understand it. But you can’t argue that is a red.”

As a result of the straight red card, Gordon, who has been acting as a makeshift striker with Alexander Isak out of the squad amid links with Newcastle’s opponents on Monday, will miss at least three games, including trips to Leeds and Bournemouth and a home clash with Wolves.