ANTHONY GORDON has apologised to his Newcastle team-mates and Virgil van Dijk for the challenge which cost him a red card in Monday night’s dramatic Premier League defeat to Liverpool.

The England international was sent off in first-half stoppage-time at St James’ Park after a poor challenge on the Reds’ skipper, and could only look on from afar as the 10 men fought back from 2-0 down to level the game before 16-year-old substitute Rio Ngumoha fired the visitors to a 3-2 victory.

After the final whistle, Gordon posted on his Instagram account: “I want to sincerely apologise to my team-mates and the fans. 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.

“More importantly, I’m so proud of the time I spent on the pitch and how we played tonight. The atmosphere from you all is what makes SJP so special. I love everything we stand for as a club and no more than right now.

“I’ll be back and better, the same as every other setback I’ve ever faced. See you soon.”