Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has criticised Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon for his tackle on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.
Gordon brought Van Dijk down with a strong sliding tackle in the first-half injury time.
The referee, Simon Hooper, initially gave him a yellow card, but VAR advised him to change it to red.
Down to 10 men, Newcastle United put up a strong fight to make it 2-2. Liverpool still had the last laugh, as 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha made it 3-2 in the 10th minute of stoppage time.
After the defeat, the Magpies are 4/1 with UK betting sites to finish inside the top four.
WATCH: Anthony Gordon Sees Red Card for Tackle on Virgil van Dijk
Late in extra time, Anthony Gordon led a Newcastle United press, trying to hound down Liverpool defenders. With Virgil van Dijk in possession, Gordon lunged in to take the ball off the Dutchman. Unfortunately for the Magpies, their star man did not get the ball with his double-footed challenge, only ending up bringing Van Dijk down.
After a VAR review, the referee sent the No. 10 off. Van Dijk was seen with scratches on his calf, suggesting Gordon had caught him with his studs open.
Watch the incident below:
Mark Clattenburg Slams Gordon for Van Dijk Tackle
Speaking with Geordie Boot Boys, ex-Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg criticised Anthony Gordon, claiming the VAR was right to call for a straight red card. As a result, Gordon will now miss three games for the Magpies.
“It’s a horrible tackle by Anthony Gordon on Virgil Van Dijk,” said Clattenburg.
“He comes into the tackle with speed, and when you see Van Dijk’s sock come down when Gordon’s studs rake down the leg risks serious injury to his opponent. All the criteria are met and the VAR has finally done its job correctly this weekend.”
📸 – GORDON IS GOING TO GET A RED CARD FOR THIS, SURELY! pic.twitter.com/gpAVYcfjtP
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) August 25, 2025
He continued:
“As a fan of Newcastle, Gordon has let the club down in key moments in the last year. One comes to mind is a needless red card just before the cup final last year against Liverpool, and again today.
“What will upset many people is that he will serve a three-match suspension, and there are no other alternatives in the forward line for Newcastle at the moment.”
Gordon Apologises to Van Dijk and Fans for Rough Tackle
In the aftermath of his dismissal, Anthony Gordon has taken responsibility for his actions. On Instagram, the Englishman said his intentions were pure and he simply wanted to inject more energy into the game.
“I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans,” he wrote.
“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.”
Anthony Gordon "I want to sincerely apologise to my teammates and the fans. I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle. I also want to apologise to Virgil."
byu/kibme37 insoccer
He concluded:
“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.“
Newcastle United will be back in action with a trip to Leeds United on Saturday.
