Anthony Gordon apologises to fans, team-mates and Virgil van Dijk after red card

Anthony Gordon has apologised after being sent off for a rash challenge in Newcastle's defeat by Liverpool on Monday.

With Liverpool one-nil up heading into the closing stages of the first half at St James' Park, Gordon lunged in at Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk.

Referee Simon Hooper initially only cautioned the 24-year-old for the infraction before a VAR review upgraded it to a red card.

Van Dijk was left with visible stud marks on his leg in the aftermath of the challenge, and Gordon was subsequently criticised by Magpies legend Alan Shearer on social media, who called the lunge 'stupid'.

Despite being reduced to ten men and conceding immediately after the restart, Eddie Howe's side embarked on a valiant comeback and looked to have secured a point before 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha sealed the victory with a dramatic winner.

Speaking following the game Gordon insisted he had merely been attempting to raise the energy of the game and offered apologies to Van Dijk, his team-mates, and Newcastle fans.

'I want to sincerely apologise to my team-mates and the fans.' Gordon wrote on Instagram.

'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.'

With Alexander Isak's future still up in the air as he attempts to force through a move to Merseyside, Gordon's three-match ban will be sure to give Howe a selection headache as he mulls over his attacking options.

After Callum Wilson departed the club this summer, Howe has entrusted Gordon to lead the line in both of Newcastle's Premier League games this season.

However, the England international will no miss the club's trip to face newly-promoted Leeds next week, and will also be unavailable for September clashes with Wolves and Bournemouth.