In the 45+3rd minute at St James' Park, Gordon slid into a tackle that became a forceful kick to Van Dijk's shin. The impact was so strong it pulled Van Dijk's sock down to his ankle, leaving two deep imprints. However, the collision only caused superficial damage, and the Liverpool defender played the entire match.

The boot mark left on Van Dijk's leg after the challenge during the Newcastle 2-3 Liverpool match on 25/8. Photo: *Sky*

The referee initially issued Gordon a yellow card. But after consulting VAR, he changed it to a straight red.

Liverpool opened the scoring with Ryan Gravenberch's long-range shot in the 35th minute. Playing with a man advantage, the visitors quickly doubled their lead with Hugo Ekitike's strike from the edge of the box in the 46th minute. Newcastle showed great spirit, equalizing at 2-2 with goals from Bruno Guimaraes in the 57th minute and William Osula in the 88th. However, Liverpool secured the three points. Sixteen-year-old striker Rio Ngumoha became the hero for the visitors, curling in the winning goal in the 90+10th minute.

"It was a stupid challenge," Newcastle legend Alan Shearer said of Gordon's tackle.

Another angle of Gordon's challenge on Van Dijk. Photo: *Sky*

With the straight red card, Gordon will serve a three-match suspension, putting more pressure on manager Eddie Howe's squad selection. Alexander Isak, Newcastle's top scorer last season, is currently holding out for a move to Liverpool.

Newcastle previously rejected a $155 million offer from the reigning Premier League champions. Due to failed pursuits of Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko, the Magpies have not yet agreed to let Isak leave.

Thanh Quy (via *Sun*)