Anthony Gordon Apologises To Virgil Van Dijk For Tackle: 'My Intentions Were...'

Last Updated:August 26, 2025, 18:04 IST

Anthony Gordon apologizes to Newcastle United, fans, and Virgil Van Dijk for his reckless tackle at St. James Park.

Anthony Gordon with Virgil van Dijk. (AP Photo)

Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has offered his sincere apology to his teammates, the club’s fans, and Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk for his reckless tackle at St. James Park in the Premier League on Monday night. Gordon, who was sent off for the effort, said his intentions were ‘pure’ and about creating energy in the stadium, and that he would never harm another player on purpose.

Gordon went with a flying foot at Van Dijk when the defender was building out from the back in the first half. The crunching tackle pulled out Van Dijk’s socks and left big scratches on his calf. Referee Simon Hooper initially gave him a yellow card, but after consultation with VAR, the challenge was deemed reckless and dangerous, and it was converted to a straight red. Gordon will now miss the next three games for the Magpies.

“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans. My intentions were pure — 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," Gordon wrote in a post on Instagram.

It was an emotionally super-charged game, thanks to the uncertain future of Alexander Isak, who has refused to train with Newcastle and is pushing for a move to Liverpool. Gordon, who has been subject to a similar near-transfer between the same clubs in the past, was playing at Isak’s centre-forward position.

His challenge was made soon after Liverpool went 1-0 up in the game, which became 2-0 after 30 seconds in the second half. Down and out with 10 men, Newcastle turned things around with their athleticism and passion, using set-pieces to level the score 2-2. It was only a last-minute strike from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha that won Liverpool the game.

“More importantly, I’m so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight. 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 ever faced. See you soon," Gordon added.

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First Published:

August 26, 2025, 18:04 IST

News sports Anthony Gordon Apologises To Virgil Van Dijk For Tackle: 'My Intentions Were...'

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