Newcastle striker crisis worsens as wild Gordon tackle 'removes Van Dijk's sock'

ANTONY GORDON has made Newcastle's striker crisis even worse after being SENT OFF for a wild challenge against Liverpool.

The former Everton ace recklessly slid into Virgil van Dijk as his boot scraped down the leg of the Reds captain during the Premier League clash .

3 Anthony Gordon tackled Virgil van Dijk very late Credit: Sky Sports

3 Van Dijk was left with two scars on his leg Credit: Getty

3 Simon Hooper sent off Gordon for the horror tackle Credit: EPA

Gordon's challenge was so bad that it dragged the defender's sock down to his ankle.

Van Dijk showed off the back of his calf, which had two prominent scars on his skin courtesy of Gordon's studs.

The makeshift striker was initially shown a yellow card for the brutal tackle.

However, after a VAR intervention, referee Simon Hooper reviewed the challenge and upgraded the punishment to a red card.

Gordon, 24, is now likely to be suspended for THREE MATCHES due to the nature of the sending off.

Even Newcastle legend Alan Shearer was left unimpressed by Gordon's tackle as he reacted on social media.

He wrote: "What a stupid challenge man. It’s a red card all day."

As a result, manager Eddie Howe has been left with another headache he really did not need.

The Newcastle boss was already playing without a recognised striker after Callum Wilson left, and Alexander Isak continues his revolt.

Isak is wanted by Liverpool but the Magpies turned down a £110million offer earlier in the window.

But the Swede is determined to make the transfer and has not played this season.

The striker is currently training away from the first team while a resolution is sought after.

The Magpies have been attempting to sign a new forward this summer in order to boost Howe's attack.

However, deals for the likes of Benjamin Sesko , Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha all fell through as they opted for Manchester United.

Here is a look at all the forwards Newcastle have missed out on...

Top target Hugo Ekitike also rejected Newcastle and instead joined Liverpool.

To rub salt in the wounds, the Frenchman doubled the Reds' lead at St James' Park early in the second half.

Newcastle have also been knocked back by Wolves in their attempts to sign Jorgen Strand Larsen.

They offered £50million for the striker only to be told he was not for sale.

Another target in Nicolas Jackson also seems set for a move elsewhere as he agreed on personal terms with Bayern Munich .