The Premier League has issued a terse statement, in which they explained why Newcastle forward, Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red card for a tackle on Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk.
The incident happened during the first half of the game at St James Park and referee Simon Hooper had initially booked Gordon for the foul.
Hooper was then directed to review it on the VAR pitchside monitor and he eventually overturned his decision.
“After VAR review, the referee overturned his on-field decision of a yellow card to Anthony Gordon,” the Premier League Match Centre posted on social media.
The Match Centre also quoted Hooper’s on-field explanation: “After review, the Newcastle United number 10 commits a serious foul play challenge.
“The challenge is with speed and makes clear contact on the Liverpool number 4’s calf.
“My final decision is red card to Newcastle United number 10.”
Liverpool won the game 3-2, thanks to a goal in the 100th minute from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
