Anthony Gordon endured an absolutely miserable time of things on Sunday as Newcastle United went out of the FA Cup.
Though few would doubt the fact that Gordon, at his best, is one of Newcastle United’s leading players, the winger has struggled of late.
Things got even worse for the England man on Sunday. Gordon was sent off as Newcastle lost to Brighton in the FA Cup and will subsequently now miss the Carabao Cup final, unless the club can successfully appeal the red card.
Gordon shoved Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the face after a coming together and what made it all the more galling was that the whistle had already gone. It was as petulant as it gets and costs Newcastle dearly.
Beating Liverpool at Wembley would be difficult with Gordon in the side. Without him, things get a whole lot more complicated for Eddie Howe’s team.
Howe didn’t even acknowledge Gordon after he was sent off but, naturally, the Newcastle United manager was asked about the incident after the game.
Eddie Howe wants Newcastle United fans to support Anthony Gordon after red card
Newcastle fans are well within their rights to be frustrated at Gordon. Nick Pope was sent off against Liverpool back in 2023 and duly missed that year’s Carabao Cup final, but at least he was trying to play the ball.
Gordon lashing out is much worse. It’s just so avoidable.
Still, Howe wants fans and the club alike to support Gordon at what must be a difficult time.
“We have to support Anthony in this moment,” he said.
“I think he’ll need a bit of support and some communication from us but these things happen in the game and such an emotional game today, we’re all desperately disappointed.”
Will Newcastle United appeal Anthony Gordon’s red card?
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Gordon, so will no doubt be relishing the fact Newcastle are likely to be without him for the Wembley showdown.
However, perhaps there’s still a chance he can feature. Newcastle could in theory appeal the decision and get the red card overturned, something both Manchester United and Arsenal have done with Bruno Fernandes and Myles Lewis-Skelly respectively this season.
There’s no guarantee it would be overturned of course and it’s quite frankly pathetic it’s got to that point but at least it’s an option.
Asked about a potential appeal after the game, Howe said: “If we analyse the incident and feel there’s grounds for that, we will do without hesitation.”
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
