Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon issues apology to Virgil Van Dijk after red card tackle: “My intentions were pure”
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Anthony Gordon has issued a formal apology to both his Newcastle United teammates and Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk following a straight red card received during a Premier League match that ended 3-2 in favour of Liverpool. The incident occurred late in the first half stoppage time after the video assistant referee (VAR) recommended a red card for Gordon’s challenge on Van Dijk, which left the Liverpool defender with visible stud marks on his right calf.
Following the game, Gordon took to Instagram to express his sincere apologies, emphasizing that his intentions were pure and that he was attempting to inject energy into the match, though he mistimed the tackle. He specifically apologized to Van Dijk and noted that after speaking with him, Van Dijk understood that the tackle was not deliberate.
Gordon wrote: "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."
He also expressed pride in the effort he and his teammates showed during the match and praised the atmosphere at St James' Park, pledging to come back stronger after the setback. This incident was one element in a fiercely contested match that also saw Liverpool pursuing Newcastle striker Alexander Isak.
PP