Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon is set for a three-game suspension following his red card in the FA Cup clash against Brighton. The incident occurred in the 83rd minute when he appeared to push Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke in the head. Referee Anthony Taylor showed him a straight red, a decision later upheld by VAR, marking a major setback for Newcastle.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who provided commentary on the match, did not hold back in his criticism of Gordon. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Robinson called the winger’s actions reckless and unnecessary. He suggested that Gordon’s reaction was driven by frustration and ultimately proved costly for both the player and his team.
Robinson further analyzed the moment, pointing out that Gordon had little chance of making a legitimate challenge and instead shoved Van Hecke with both hands. The forceful nature of the push left the referee with no choice but to send him off. Robinson also speculated that Gordon’s earlier frustration over a denied penalty may have influenced his rash decision.
With the red card confirmed, Gordon is now set to miss Newcastle’s next three fixtures unless the club successfully appeals. His absence will begin with their Premier League clash against West Ham. While Eddie Howe may consider contesting the ban, overturning a straight red remains difficult.
The biggest blow for Gordon and Newcastle is that his suspension will rule him out of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on March 16. Newcastle, still chasing their first major domestic trophy since 1955, will be without one of their key players in a crucial match. The club had also reached the final in 2023 but fell short against Manchester United.
Gordon’s situation is particularly frustrating given his history with the competition. Last season, he was ineligible for the final after joining Newcastle from Everton in January, as he was cup-tied. Now, despite being available this year, suspension will once again prevent him from taking part in the showcase event.
Beyond the final, his suspension will also see him miss Newcastle’s league fixture against Brentford on April 2. This adds to Newcastle’s growing list of problems, as defender Lewis Hall was already absent from the Brighton match due to an ankle injury. The severity of Hall’s issue remains unclear, but his availability for the final is now in doubt.
To make matters worse, striker Alexander Isak, who had earlier converted a penalty, limped off toward the end of the match. With multiple key players potentially missing and a crucial final on the horizon, Eddie Howe faces a tough task in reshaping his squad at a critical point in Newcastle’s season.