Anthony Gordon will miss Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final showdown with Liverpool after the club chose not to appeal his red card from last weekend’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton. The winger was sent off late in the game for pushing Jan Paul van Hecke in the head, receiving a straight red card and a three-match suspension.
The ban means Gordon will miss Premier League games against West Ham and Brentford, as well as Newcastle’s crucial Wembley final. While Eddie Howe initially hinted at an appeal, the club ultimately decided against it after consulting legal experts. Howe confirmed the decision during his press conference ahead of Newcastle’s clash with West Ham.
“We discussed it as a club, with the respected people that we need to discuss it with, the lawyers. We just felt that there probably wasn’t sufficient grounds,” Howe explained. “There was no intention from Anthony… but you have to look at it and go, ‘Does this have a chance of being successful?’ If there’s no chance, what’s the point of appealing?”
Gordon has been a standout performer for Newcastle this season, contributing nine goals and six assists across all competitions. His absence is a significant blow to the Magpies as they prepare for their biggest final in decades, hoping to secure their first major trophy in 70 years.
Adding to Newcastle’s selection woes, defender Sven Botman and left-back Lewis Hall will also miss the final, with Hall ruled out for the rest of the season. However, there is some positive news as striker Alexander Isak has been declared fit and available.
With the Carabao Cup final fast approaching, Newcastle will have to adjust their game plan without one of their most influential attackers. Despite being underdogs against Liverpool, the Magpies remain hopeful of making history at Wembley.
Howe acknowledged Gordon’s disappointment but praised his professionalism in training despite the setback. “I think for Anthony, of course, he was hugely disappointed on Sunday. But he’s quickly come back to us, trained really well, and you wouldn’t know there’s a disappointment there,” Howe said.