Newcastle United Faces Setback as Anthony Gordon's Red Card Threatens Carabao Cup Final Appearance

Image credits: Scott Heppell/Reuters

Newcastle United's hopes of winning the Carabao Cup have been dealt a significant blow after Anthony Gordon's red card in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton. The 24-year-old winger was sent off in the 83rd minute of the match for raising his hands and shoving Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the head. As a result, Gordon is set to miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16, as well as Premier League fixtures against West Ham and Brentford, due to a three-match domestic ban.

The suspension is a cruel setback for Gordon, who has been one of Newcastle's standout performers this season. His impact in attack has been vital, and he played a crucial role in their journey to Wembley, scoring in both legs of their semi-final victory over Arsenal. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has hinted that the club may appeal against the decision, but the likelihood of a successful appeal seems remote. Howe said that he needs to assess the incident before making a judgment, but he believes that there was no malice in Gordon's actions. Despite this, many Newcastle fans have taken to social media to label Gordon's actions as "reckless and unnecessary," with some lamenting how his moment of frustration could cost the team in such a crucial game.

The absence of Gordon could provide a significant boost to Liverpool's chances of winning the Carabao Cup. The Reds are aiming to go back-to-back in the competition and will fancy their chances against a Newcastle side missing one of their most dangerous attacking threats. Former Crystal Palace and Birmingham City player Clinton Morrison believes that Gordon's absence gives Liverpool a significant advantage, saying: "That is a huge blow not to have Anthony Gordon. If you gave Liverpool an 80% chance, you now probably give Liverpool an even bigger chance, like a 95% chance, because you're just looking at it and thinking, you don't have someone who can take you up the pitch, do you?"

Newcastle are still chasing their first major domestic trophy since 1955, and now they must do so without one of their key players. The team's midfielder, Bruno Guimaraes, has called for unity and support from the fans, saying that the team needs to stick together and go after the best for the club. Guimaraes posted an image of himself on Instagram, captioned: "Disappointed not to progress in the FA Cup, as it was clearly one of our goals. Moments like this are when we need to stick together the most." The post was liked by his Brazilian international teammate, Lucas Paqueta, who is currently facing a potential life ban from the sport due to accusations of picking up bookings for financial gain.

The following are the match scores and player statistics for the FA Cup match between Newcastle and Brighton:

• Match score: Brighton 2, Newcastle 1
• Goalscorers: Alexander Isak (Newcastle), Yankuba Minteh (Brighton), Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
• Red cards: Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Tariq Lamptey (Brighton)

The Carabao Cup final schedule is as follows:

1. Newcastle United vs Liverpool - March 16

The team rankings for the Premier League are:

• Newcastle United: 5th
• Liverpool: 6th
• Brighton: 7th

Newcastle's injury concerns have been compounded by the news that left-back Lewis Hall may miss the Carabao Cup final due to an ankle injury. Hall's problem is sufficiently serious to have necessitated scans, and the results have prompted an appointment with a specialist scheduled for this week. The sense is that Hall could well miss the Carabao Cup final, while Sven Botman, who did not recover from a knee injury in time to be involved against Brighton, also appears touch and go for Wembley. Newcastle's defensive woes have been a major concern this season, and the absence of Hall and Botman could be a significant blow to their chances of winning the Carabao Cup. The team's attack has been impressive, but they will need to be at their best if they are to overcome the loss of Gordon and win the trophy.

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