Anthony Gordon: Newcastle Consider Appeal Over Carabao Cup Final Suspension
Gordon is suspended as it stands / George Wood/GettyImages

Anthony Gordon: Newcastle Consider Appeal Over Carabao Cup Final Suspension

Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon Faces Suspension Ahead of Carabao Cup Final

Newcastle United are currently contemplating an appeal against the red card given to their winger Anthony Gordon during Sunday’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion. The straight red card, issued by referee Anthony Taylor, resulted from an altercation with Brighton defender Jean Paul van Hecke, in which Anthony Gordon pushed the player in the face. As it stands, this decision leaves Anthony Gordon facing a three-match suspension for violent conduct, ruling him out of the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16.

The suspension means that Anthony Gordon will also miss two crucial Premier League fixtures—against West Ham United and Brentford—either side of the final. However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has expressed openness to appealing the decision, believing there may be grounds to contest the severity of the punishment.

Eddie Howe Open to Appealing Anthony Gordon’s Red Card

Following the 3-0 defeat to Brighton, Eddie Howe addressed the media and acknowledged that Newcastle United would analyze the incident thoroughly before deciding on a course of action. The club hopes to either overturn the red card entirely or at least reduce the suspension to a single game, allowing Anthony Gordon to be available for the final at Wembley Stadium.

Howe’s Initial Reaction

When questioned about the incident, Howe admitted that he had not yet seen a full replay but remained confident in Anthony Gordon’s character and intent.

“I’d need to see it, I can’t sit here and give an honest opinion to that until I’ve done the work that you’ve done and looked at it. But, knowing the player, I know there’s no malice intended there.”

The manager emphasized that Anthony Gordon is a hard-working and competitive player, but not someone prone to violent conduct.

“He plays hard—I want him to play hard, I want him to be competitive—but I don’t see an issue there at this moment. I think it would be very out of context with how he is generally. Maybe a bit of frustration in the game that things weren’t going our way, but I’d say that’s not a common sight for me when Anthony plays.”

Frustration boiled over for Gordon against Brighton / George Wood/GettyImages

The Red Card Incident: What Happened?

The Clash Between Anthony Gordon and Van Hecke

The controversial red card occurred in the 83rd minute of the match, when Anthony Gordon, seemingly frustrated, pushed Jean Paul van Hecke in the face. Referee Anthony Taylor immediately brandished a straight red card, deeming the act as violent conduct. The decision was reviewed by VAR but was upheld, leaving Newcastle with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Newcastle’s Possible Appeal Grounds

For an appeal to be successful, Newcastle must prove to the Football Association (FA) that Taylor’s decision was either an error in judgment or that the punishment was excessively harsh. If successful, the club could have the red card rescinded entirely or reduced to a one-game ban, which would allow Anthony Gordon to participate in the Carabao Cup final.

However, appeals for violent conduct red cards are rarely overturned unless there is clear evidence that the initial decision was incorrect. Given that Anthony Gordon made contact with Van Hecke’s face—a factor that referees generally consider a red-card offense—the club faces an uphill battle in their appeal.

The Impact of Anthony Gordon’s Absence on Newcastle

Anthony Gordon has been a key player for Newcastle this season, contributing significantly with his attacking play, pressing, and energy on the pitch. His absence for three games would be a considerable blow to Eddie Howe’s tactical plans, particularly in the final against Liverpool.

Tactical Adjustments Without Anthony Gordon

Should the suspension stand, Newcastle will need to reshuffle their attacking options. Howe could opt for:

  • Harvey Barnes: The winger has returned from injury and could be a natural replacement for Anthony Gordon on the left flank.
  • Miguel Almirón: Although typically deployed on the right, Almirón could switch flanks to cover Anthony Gordon’s absence.
  • Joelinton: If fit, the Brazilian midfielder could be pushed into an advanced role to add physicality and drive on the left.

Newcastle fans will be hoping for a successful appeal, as Anthony Gordon’s presence could be crucial in their quest for silverware.

What Happens Next?

Newcastle’s Appeal Process

Newcastle must formally submit an appeal to the FA within a specified time frame following the match. The FA’s disciplinary panel will then review the case and make a ruling, which typically happens within a few days.

Possible outcomes include:

  1. Red card rescinded: Anthony Gordon would face no suspension and be available for all upcoming matches.
  2. Ban reduced to one game: Anthony Gordon would miss one Premier League fixture but be eligible for the Carabao Cup final.
  3. Ban upheld: Anthony Gordon would serve the full three-match suspension, missing both league games and the final.

Newcastle’s Fans React

The decision has sparked frustration among Newcastle supporters, many of whom believe the punishment is excessive. Some have pointed to similar incidents in the Premier League where players received only yellow cards for similar actions.

Social media platforms have been buzzing with debates over the fairness of the red card, with many fans urging the club to take decisive action in appealing the suspension.

Conclusion: Will Gordon Play in the Carabao Cup Final?

Newcastle United now face a crucial decision as they consider an appeal to overturn Anthony Gordon’s red card. With a major final against Liverpool looming, the club’s legal team will be working quickly to build a case that could see the winger available for selection.

While overturning a red card for violent conduct is challenging, Eddie Howe and Newcastle remain hopeful that the FA will reconsider the decision. Whether the appeal succeeds or not, Gordon’s absence will significantly impact Newcastle’s preparations for the upcoming fixtures.

As the appeal process unfolds, Newcastle fans will be eagerly awaiting news, hoping that their influential winger will be given the chance to showcase his talent on one of the biggest stages in English football—the Carabao Cup final at Wembley Stadium.

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