The Premier League have defined why Anthony Gordon was despatched off for a foul on Virgil van Dijk in Newcastle's conflict with Liverpool after he was initially proven a yellow card. The incident occurred late on within the first-half, with Gordon flying into Van Dijk from behind.
Referee Simon Hooper initially confirmed Gordon a yellow card, however he was instructed by VAR to take one other take a look at the problem on the pitchside monitor.
And Hooper finally determined to overturn his choice, exhibiting Gordon a straight pink for "severe foul play".
"After VAR evaluation, the referee overturned his on-field choice of a yellow card to Anthony Gordon," the Premier League Match Centre defined on social media.
They then quoted Hooper's clarification, which learn: "After evaluation, the Newcastle United quantity 10 commits a severe foul play problem.
"The problem is with pace and makes clear contact on the Liverpool quantity 4's calf. My ultimate choice is pink card to Newcastle United quantity 10."
Newcastle legend Alan Shearer agreed with Hooper's choice, writing on social media: "What a silly problem man. It's a pink card all day."
Former Arsenal ahead Theo Walcott added on the BBC's Monday Night time Membership: "It's a striker's sort out. He's gone with the fallacious leg. He's nonetheless obtained that fireside within the stomach and he's not pondering there in any respect.
"It all the time appears to be like worse when it's slowed down however Virgil van Dijk wouldn't go down if he wasn't harm. It's a pink card, for me."
Premier League legend Thierry Henry informed Sky Sports activities: "On the time it occurred, I stated it was a pink. Why put your self on this scenario? He [Gordon] will get carried away with what's been taking place however you possibly can't argue."
Newcastle have been 1-0 down when Gordon was despatched off, with Ryan Gravenberch placing Liverpool forward with a long-range effort. Hugo Ekitike then made it 2-0 simply 23 seconds into the second-half after a properly labored transfer.
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