Roy Keane exasperated by Anthony Gordon behaviour – 'What's the point of apologising?'

Anthony Gordon found himself in Roy Keane's firing line, as the Manchester United legend tore into his conduct and that of his Newcastle team-mates against Liverpool . The Magpies suffered a 3-2 defeat to the reigning champions and had to battle through the entire second half with 10 men after Gordon's straight red card for his reckless late tackle on Virgil van Dijk.

Keane praised the physical nature of the match, but didn't hold back when criticising the theatrics displayed by the Newcastle squad, with Gordon singled out in particular. Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: "Isn't football mad?

"Newcastle kicking Liverpool all over the place, getting stuck in as you do, there's nothing wrong with that. I like that physical side of the game, and then anyone touches any of the Newcastle players, they were like rolling around, and [Anthony] Gordon's a prime example.

"You look at Gordon and he falls over! He's running around kicking everybody and then apologising afterwards, 'I didn't mean it.' Well, what were you, what were you doing?"

Keane went on to call out the 24-year-old's unnecessary challenge on Van Dijk, adding: "Of course, it was a bad one. You know what's what's the point? What's the point of apologising afterwards? Saying 'Oh I didn't mean to do it,' it's a bad one."

Ryan Gravenberch opened the scoring for Liverpool before the interval, with Hugo Ekitike doubling the lead immediately after the break. Bruno Guimaraes pulled one back and William Osula appeared to have salvaged a draw for Newcastle in the dying moments, but 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha emerged in the 10th minute of stoppage time to secure victory for the Reds.

Initially, Gordon was cautioned for his reckless challenge on Van Dijk, but the video assistant referee summoned Simon Hooper to the monitor for a second look. Following his review, he reversed his original decision and brandished a straight red card to Gordon.

Gordon subsequently issued a statement on social media apologising to Van Dijk and Newcastle supporters for his conduct. He said: "I want to sincerely apologise to my team-mates and the fans. My intentions were pure.

"I was just trying to create energy in the game and I mistimed the tackle. I also want to apologise to Virgil. I would never intend to tackle somebody like this on purpose. We spoke after and he knows that."

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe's troubles are escalating, with Liverpool target Alexander Isak still sidelined due to his continuing transfer speculation, and Gordon suspended for up to three matches following his conduct on Monday.

Howe also saw Joelinton and Sandro Tonali pick up injuries during the Liverpool clash. With the transfer window closing in just days, he must identify some rapid solutions if he wishes to turn around results quickly. Fortunately, a deal has now reportedly been agreed for 23-year-old Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade in a deal worth £65m .

Up next for the struggling Magpies – who have one point so far – is a Saturday evening trip to newly-promoted Leeds United , with Howe hoping his team will pick up the first three points of their 2025/26 campaign.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.