WATCH: Madness from Virgil van Dijk! Liverpool defender shown straight red card for reckless tackle on Alexander Isak moments after Trent Alexander-Arnold error gifts Newcastle the lead

The Dutch defender was sent for an early bath after catching Alexander Isak with a reckless challenge from behind. He claimed to have got a toe on the ball, but a VAR review supported the original on-field decision and Van Dijk was forced to depart.

Liverpool were already a goal down by the time that Van Dijk suffered his defensive rush of blood, with Jurgen Klopp seeing his side stumble out of the blocks at St James’ Park. Alexander-Arnold was fortunate to escape an early red card after being booked for throwing the ball away moments before dragging Antony Gordon to the turf.

Things did not get any better for Alexander-Arnold as it was his mistake that gifted Newcastle the lead. He is usually so assured in possession, but his touch deserted him at the worst possible time and Gordon was allowed to race through and put the home side in front.

Van Dijk will now have to serve a ban, ruling him out of important Premier League fixtures, while Klopp needs to find a way of cutting out the mistakes that continue to cost the Reds dear. A home date with Aston Villa next weekend will take them into the September international break.