Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been labeled “stupid” after earning a suspension that rules him out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
The England winger received a direct red card during the Magpies 2-1 loss against Brighton in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Gordon, frustrated after an earlier penalty appeal was denied, lashed out at Brighton defender Jan Paul Van Hecke, shoving him to the ground.
Referee Anthony Taylor had no choice but to show a straight red. As the red card was given for violent conduct, the ex-Everton player will miss Newcastle’s next three games, which includes the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in two weeks time.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5Live’s coverage, former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson said: “Anthony Gordon has gone over the top of Jan Paul van Hecke. Gordon knows he cannot get there and he has run into Van Hecke with two hands. It looked like frustration to me. He has pushed the Brighton defender with force.
“Petulance. That’s all it was. Gordon felt hard done by that he didn’t get the early penalty. That motion is what the referee has seen. It is stupid from Anthony Gordon.”
Gordon will miss another Carabao Cup final for Newcastle, having been ineligible for the 2023 loss to Man United due to being cup-tied after featuring for Everton in a third-round defeat to Bournemouth.
(Image: Getty)
“I was devastated last time,” said the 24-year-old. “I played in a stupid cup game just before I came (to Newcastle). I had a broken hand, I just remember thinking, ‘why did I play in that game?’ I travelled down, unfortunately we lost but what an experience.
“Hopefully I get to be part of it this time but that’s up to us, we’ve got a good advantage but we’re facing a top team so it could change really quickly. It’s totally in our hands now.”
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe could be dealt another blow after Alexander Isak was withdrawn shortly after the red card, appearing to be limping down the tunnel. The Swedish forward, who returned to action after missing the Liverpool game, is set to be assessed over the next few days.
