‘Anthony Gordon appeal 50-50 as Newcastle star wanted in Liverpool final’
Newcastle United have been told to appeal the red card shown to Anthony Gordon in their FA Cup defeat to Brighton by Richard Keys.
The Magpies were knocked out of the competition by their Premier League rivals at St James’ Park on Sunday (2 March) following a 2-1 defeat after extra time.
That came after Newcastle had seen Gordon sent off for a push in the head of Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the 83rd minute, after referee Anthony Taylor had blown his whistle for a stoppage in play.
Although Brighton full-back Tariq Lamptey was then also shown a red card after two bookable offences, Danny Welbeck’s strike in extra time was enough to secure victory for the visitors.
Gordon’s dismissal did not help Newcastle in that match, and it could also damage their hopes in the Carabao Cup final if they do not appeal that suspension, which Keys has now suggested they should do.
Newcastle United told to appeal Anthony Gordon red card
As a result of his straight red card against Brighton, Gordon is now facing the prospect of a three-match ban.
That means he is set to miss the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on 16 March, if Newcastle do not get that suspension overturned on appeal.
Keys believes that the Magpies have a 50-50 chance of winning any appeal they make against that suspension, and would like to see them do so, due to a sense that top players should play in big games.
| Newcastle United next three games | Competition | Date |
| West Ham (A) | Premier League | 10/03 |
| Liverpool (N) | Carabao Cup | 16/03 |
| Brentford (H) | Premier League | 02/04 |
The presenter also does not agree that Gordon could be given the same punishment for that push, as Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts for his kick to the head of Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Writing about Gordon’s situation on his blog, Keys said: “I know why Anthony Taylor sent Gordon off at Newcastle. Gordon was daft and probably deserved to go, but it’s mad to think right now he’ll serve the same ban as Roberts.
“I hope Newcastle appeal it. I’d say they’d have a 50-50 chance of winning. I’d like to see them win it. Gordon should be allowed to play in the Carabao Cup Final.
“I’ve argued for years when it comes to a final we want to see the best players on the pitch. It’s a showpiece so why not?
“If we restricted punishments to the competitions bookings or red cards were picked up in – that would happen more often.
“If you’re sent off in a league game your ban should apply to league fixtures. The same with the FA Cup. It’s simply wrong that Gordon will miss a cup final because he got sent off in a league game. I’d make an exception for something like Roberts challenge mind you.”
Anthony Gordon appeal is worth a shot for Newcastle United
Football Insider Verdict
Given there is no doubt the push from Gordon was clearly intentional and came after the referee’s whistle had gone, it is hard to imagine any appeal will be successful.
Even so, it makes sense that Newcastle should at least attempt to get his ban overturned while they have the chance to do so.
The Magpies will be desperate to end their long wait for silverware when they take on Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Having their best players such as Gordon available to play is obviously their best chance of doing that, and it is worth noting that Newcastle are pursuing a Champions League spot as well.
As a result they are going to miss the winger in their Premier League games as well if he is suspended, so it makes sense for them to at least try and have him available for these games.