Overview

• Referee Simon Hooper changed an initial yellow to a straight red after consulting the pitch‑side monitor for Gordon’s reckless tackle on Virgil van Dijk.
• On Instagram, Gordon said his intentions were pure and that he mistimed the challenge, offering apologies to Van Dijk, teammates and fans.
• The dismissal triggers a three‑match domestic suspension and marks Gordon’s second red card in six months.
• Van Dijk told reporters the incident warranted a sending‑off after the pair spoke during the review.
• Liverpool won 3-2 at St. James’ Park with 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha scoring in the 100th minute, with a tense backdrop shaped by Alexander Isak’s unresolved situation.