Alan Shearer issues damning 11-word verdict on Anthony Gordon red card after Virgil van Dijk challenge

Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer has shared his opinion on Anthony Gordon’s controversial sending-off against Liverpool on Monday night.

The clash at St James’ Park was always expected to be heated, with referee Simon Hooper under pressure to keep control. Alongside the intensity on the pitch, Alexander Isak’s future remained a major talking point after Liverpool’s £110m plus add-ons bid for the striker was rejected earlier this month.

Isak was left out of Eddie Howe’s squad, leaving Gordon to spearhead the attack with Harvey Barnes and new signing Anthony Elanga on the flanks.

But Gordon’s evening was cut short just before the hour mark when he was dismissed for a rash challenge on Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk. Hooper initially produced a yellow card, but after consulting the pitch-side VAR monitor, he upgraded the punishment to red—sparking fury from the home crowd.

So, what did Shearer think? The Magpies legend made his stance crystal clear on X shortly after the incident, writing:

“What a stupid challenge, man. It’s a red card all day.”

He wasn’t the only one to back the referee’s call. Thierry Henry, working alongside Jamie Carragher on Sky Sports, said:

“From the moment it happened, I thought it was a red. Why put yourself in that position? Gordon let the occasion get to him, but you can’t really argue.”

Carragher agreed, adding:

“Sometimes you have to play with your head. Newcastle went too far, and it might cost them.”