Newcastle star Anthony Gordon has issued a public apology to Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk for his horror red card tackle while insisting that his “intentions were pure”. The 23-year-old was initially shown a yellow card, but referee Simon Hooper upgraded it to a straight red following a VAR review. It was a reckless challenge as Gordon’s studs raked the back of Van Dijk’s calf.

Gordon apologises after red card tackleDefended his actions on social mediaSet to serve three-game ban