Newcastle's struggles have intensified as Anthony Gordon was given a red card for a severe tackle on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk during their Premier League match. The incident has not only exacerbated Newcastle's striker crisis but also raised concerns about player safety.
Gordon's challenge was deemed reckless by VAR and referee Simon Hooper, resulting in his ejection from the game. The tackle left Van Dijk with two prominent scars on his leg and his sock torn down to his ankle. Former Newcastle legend Alan Shearer expressed his disappointment with Gordon's actions, stating, "What a stupid challenge man. It's a red card all day."
The sending off is likely to result in a three-match suspension for Gordon, further complicating Newcastle manager Eddie Howe's plans. The team is already without a recognized striker following Callum Wilson's departure, and Alexander Isak's potential transfer to Liverpool has added to the uncertainty.
Newcastle's injury woes extend beyond their front line, with Sandro Tonali, Joelinton, and Fabian Schar all leaving the game with injuries. Despite being down to 10 men, Newcastle showed resilience and fought back to equalize, but ultimately lost 3-2 to Liverpool.
The team's struggles in the transfer market have been well-documented, with several top targets opting for other clubs. As Howe seeks to strengthen his squad, he will need to find solutions to his striker crisis and address the team's defensive vulnerabilities.
Former Premier League referee Mark Halsey analyzed the challenge, stating, "As soon as Anthony Gordon made the challenge on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, I knew VAR was going to get involved and would recommend a view. Gordon has endangered Van Dijk's safety with excessive force and can have absolutely no arguments regarding the red card."
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