Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is set to miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool after being shown a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round clash with Brighton and Hove Albion.
In a moment of madness, Gordon lashed out at Jan Paul van Hecke while the defender was tussling with him, despite play having been halted for offside.
As the ball was about to go out of play, the England international shoved Van Hecke in the back of his head, causing the defender to fall. Referee Anthony Taylor had no doubts that Gordon deserved a straight red card, and VAR did not step in.
While this is a setback for Newcastle on the day, it could have more significant implications for its Carabao Cup aspirations. A dismissal for serious foul play results in a three-match suspension applicable to all domestic fixtures.
This means Gordon will not only miss Premier League games against West Ham United and Brentford but also the Wembley showdown with Liverpool. The Magpies can appeal the red card in hopes of having Gordon available for the final, but success seems unlikely.
On the pitch, Gordon’s sending off was balanced out when Tariq Lamptey was sent off in stoppage time for a second yellow card offence, with the scoreline at 1-1.
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Gordon also sat out the 2023 final when Newcastle fell to Manchester United, as he was cup-tied having featured for Everton in an earlier round prior to his January transfer. That final also saw Nick Pope sidelined after he was sent off against Liverpool in the run-up to the match.
Gordon will be eligible to play for Newcastle again on April 7 when United visit struggling Leicester City in the Premier League.
Newcastle had been boosted by the return to the starting line-up of striker Alexander Isak. The Swedish striker had sat out the midweek defeat to Liverpool but opened the scoring against Brighton.
Joelinton was also recalled by Eddie Howe after his own injury absence. Newcastle is likely to turn to Harvey Barnes at Wembley after Gordon’s dismissal but the ex-Leicester man has had injury problems of his own this season.
