Anthony Gordon has released an emotional statement after being sent off in Newcastle’s 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on Monday night.

Gordon was labelled as one of the best players on the pitch during the first 45 minutes by Jamie Carragher prior to his dismissal for a lunging tackle on Virgil van Dijk, which would eventually cost the hosts, who dominated for large parts of the game.

Gordon was widely criticised for the challenge by the likes of Alan Shearer, as well as Carragher and Thierry Henry, who were covering the game for Sky Sports. Now, though, Gordon has spoken out for the first time himself in an emotional message to Newcastle supporters.

Gordon’s Emotional Statement Following Red Card

Gordon apologised to Newcastle fans for the red card and explained that his actions were as a result of trying to bring energy to the contest, with the Magpies having sustained a fierce press throughout the opening period.

The statement read:

“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.

“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 SJP 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.”

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Gordon has never won in ten appearances against Liverpool during his career.

Gordon’s comments about speaking to Van Dijk about the challenge came after the Dutchman admitted that he couldn’t believe that the initial verdict of the challenge was that it was only worth a yellow card.

“Well, I said to him, if this is not sending off, then I don’t understand football,” the Liverpool skipper revealed.

“So I think it was already strange that the referee has to go to the monitor. But listen, unfortunately these things happen in football. If you meant it or not, it happened. We move on.”

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.