'Wanted to help too much' - Bruno Guimaraes gives verdict on Anthony Gordon's costly red card for Virgil van Dijk challenge in Newcastle's loss to Liverpool

Realising the severity of his challenge, Gordon wasted no time in making amends. The 23-year-old forward issued a heartfelt apology to Van Dijk, stressing that his actions were not malicious.

Speaking after the match, Guimaraes leapt to his team-mate’s defence, suggesting that Gordon’s dismissal stemmed from over-enthusiasm.

"I think he wanted to help too much. I think sometimes you are so excited to play you make some mistakes," the Newcastle star told Sky Sports. "It's happened to me. We always try to give our best. There is a lot of noise outside that we cannot control."

Despite being reduced to 10-men, Newcastle clawed back from 2-0 down to level the scoreline within regulation time. However, a late strike from sixteen-year-old Rio Ngumoha tilted the balance in favour of Liverpool deep in stoppage time as the visitors clinched a dramatic 3-2 victory. 

The suspension rules Gordon out of the next three fixtures, a punishing blow for a Newcastle squad already struggling without wantaway striker Alexander Isak. Eddie Howe's side will next travel to Elland Road to take on Leeds United on Saturday as they seek their first win of the new season.