The Liverpool captain had a word with Gordon before VAR upgraded his challenge to a red card Read more

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, and Van Dijk shared his feelings after the game.

Van Dijk Comments on Gordon Red Card

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Van Dijk revealed that he told Gordon he was amazed that the initial tackle was only given a yellow card and was surprised that Simon Hooper had to go to the monitor to decide it was a red card.

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

Despite Van Dijk’s claims, Thierry Henry – who was on punditry duty for Sky for the game – stated that while challenges like this would’ve been okay in his day, though made no boned about the fact that today it was a deserved red card.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistics: Henry was never sent off during his Premier League career.

“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.