Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is set to miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool after receiving a straight red card in the FA Cup fifth round vs Brighton and Hove Albion.
In a seemingly unprovoked incident, Gordon hit out at Jan Paul van Hecke after the defender was jostling with the attacker despite the game having stopped for an offside. With the ball about to run out of play, the England international pushed Van Hecke in the back of his head leading to the defender to drop to the ground.
Referee Anthony Taylor was in no doubt that Gordon deserved a straight red card and VAR chose not to intervene. While it is a blow for Newcastle on the afternoon, it is perhaps even more disappointing for their chances of winning the Carabao Cup.
A sending off for serious foul play constitutes a three-match ban that is applicable for all domestic matches. This means that not only will Gordon miss the Premier League matches against West Ham United and Brentford, he will also miss the Wembley showpiece against Liverpool that is sandwiched in between.
The Magpies can appeal the red card in a bid to ensure Gordon is available for the final however it is unlikely to be successful. Gordon's sending off was soon cancelled out on the pitch as Tariq Lamptey received his marching orders in stoppage time for a second bookable offence with the scores locked at 1-1.
Gordon also missed the 2023 final when Newcastle lost to Manchester United. He was cup tied, having played for Everton in an earlier round before his £45m January move.
That final also saw Nick Pope miss out after he received a red card against Liverpool in the build-up to the game.
Gordon will be available to play for Newcastle again on April 7 when United travel to struggling Leicester City in the Premier League.
