Newcastle was criticized for causing a severe injury to Van Dijk.

In the thrilling encounter between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park, Anthony Gordon became the center of criticism following a harsh foul on Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk, which resulted in a direct red card.

Towards the end of the first half, while Liverpool was progressing the ball from the back, Gordon, filling in as a striker in place of Alexander Isak, charged at Van Dijk at high speed. The English player’s tackle from behind left visible stud marks on Van Dijk’s right calf, causing the Dutch defender to fall down in pain. Referee Simon Hooper initially showed a yellow card but, after reviewing VAR, changed his decision and sent Gordon off for "serious foul play." On social media, the Premier League clarified: "The foul by Newcastle United’s number 10 was carried out at high speed with clear contact to Liverpool’s number 4’s calf."