‘Nasty tackle’ - Anthony Gordon criticised for red card challenge on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk as Dutchman’s legs are left with stud marks from Newcastle winger

Following the rash challenge, referee Simon Hooper had initially cautioned Gordon with a yellow card, but following a pitchside view, the VAR instructed the on-field official to reverse his decision and flash a red card. Gordon will now miss the club's next three matches due to a direct red.

Fans were left fuming after Gordon's harsh challenge on Van Dijk as they criticised the England international on social media.

An Arsenal fan handle named DJ wrote on X: "Not sure how anyone can watch that tackle and come to the conclusion that Gordon or Newcastle have been hard done by. Nasty tackle, genuinely could’ve snapped his leg in half."

Leo posted on X: "Uup, too much adrenaline, too little thought. They were just aggressive to hype the crowd, with little to nothing to it. Red card right call for Gordon."

A fan named haydon wrote: "The gordon tackle is a red but the Gravenberch tackle not going to VAR earlier on is an interesting double standard."

Calum Vine posted: "Really poor from Gordon. Thought he was unlucky not to score in the first half. Liverpool got the game in their hands now, can not see them not winning now."

Adam Brooks labelled Gordon's tackle as 'madness', as he wrote: "Newcastle are always a very physical team. Often getting away with being a little too physical. Madness from Gordon. Early bath, young man."

Ryan Gravenberch handed the Reds the lead in the 35th minute with a stunning low-lying strike from distance, which entered the goal through the bottom-left corner. The reigning champions then utilised the man advantage and doubled their lead just minutes after the break as Hugo Ekitike netted his second Premier League goal. Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back just before the hour mark as he converted a quality header and the hosts then staged a late comeback as William Osula scored the equaliser on his debut in the 88th minute. Just when it seemed that the Reds had squandered two crucial points, youth sensation Rio Ngumoha found the winner in the 100th minute.

Arne Slot's side will be back in action on Sunday as they host Arsenal in a blockbuster Premier League clash at Anfield.