Premier League issue explanation as Anthony Gordon sent off by VAR in Liverpool clash

Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Virgil van Dijk, with VAR intervening after referee Simon Hooper initially showed him a yellow card

The Premier League have explained why Anthony Gordon was sent off for a foul on Virgil van Dijk in Newcastle’s clash with Liverpool after he was initially shown a yellow card. The incident occurred late on in the first-half, with Gordon flying into Van Dijk from behind.

Referee Simon Hooper initially showed Gordon a yellow card, but he was instructed by VAR to take another look at the challenge on the pitchside monitor.

And Hooper ultimately decided to overturn his decision, showing Gordon a straight red for “serious foul play”.

“After VAR review, the referee overturned his on-field decision of a yellow card to Anthony Gordon,” the Premier League Match Centre explained on social media.

They then quoted Hooper’s explanation, which read: “After review, the Newcastle United number 10 commits a serious foul play challenge.

“The challenge is with speed and makes clear contact on the Liverpool number 4’s calf. My final decision is red card to Newcastle United number 10.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer agreed with Hooper’s decision, writing on social media: “What a stupid challenge man. It’s a red card all day.”

Former Arsenal forward Theo Walcott added on the BBC’s Monday Night Club: “It’s a striker’s tackle. He’s gone with the wrong leg. He’s still got that fire in the belly and he’s not thinking there at all.

“It always looks worse when it’s slowed down but Virgil van Dijk wouldn’t go down if he wasn’t hurt. It’s a red card, for me.”

Premier League legend Thierry Henry told Sky Sports: “At the time it happened, I said it was a red. Why put yourself in this situation? He [Gordon] gets carried away with what’s been happening but you can’t argue.”

Newcastle were 1-0 down when Gordon was sent off, with Ryan Gravenberch putting Liverpool ahead with a long-range effort. Hugo Ekitike then made it 2-0 just 23 seconds into the second-half after a well worked move.

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