How Eddie Howe reacted immediately after Anthony Gordon’s red card during Newcastle vs Brighton

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Anthony Gordon faced a red card after a moment of madness during Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash against Brighton.

Newcastle United’s search for a winner in the second half of their fifth-round FA Cup clash against Brighton ended up with the Magpies going down to 10 men.

Eddie Howe fielded a strong lineup with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon both starting at St James’ Park. However, Gordon is now set to miss the Carabao Cup final after picking up a late red card.

The 24-year-old was involved in an incident with Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke where Gordon appeared to lash out.

Referee Anthony Taylor immediately reached for a red card, meaning Gordon will now serve a three-match suspension and miss the trip to Wembley.

Eddie Howe ignores Anthony Gordon after Newcastle red card

Newcastle have a chance to end a 70-year trophy drought this month, but facing Liverpool without Gordon makes an already tough match look even tougher.

Howe has been trying to keep Newcastle focused rather than be distracted by the cup final, but the Magpies boss will wish that Gordon had Wembley in his mind on Sunday.

When Gordon was given his marching orders, he walked past the Newcastle bench and Craig Hope reports that Howe “didn’t acknowledge” Gordon as he left the pitch.

He adds that Gordon did protest the decision with the fourth official, but after a VAR review the decision stood.

How Eddie Howe can replace Anthony Gordon at Carabao Cup final

Gordon is one of a handful of Newcastle players who would be a guaranteed starter for the cup final if fit – and available.

Jacob Murphy would have been the first-choice option on the right, with both wingers either side of Isak centrally.

However, Howe will now have to re-think his starting lineup and decide who should replace Gordon on the left.

READ MORE: Alexander Isak, no Loris Karius and three more improvements Newcastle United have made since the last Carabao Cup final

Joelinton has impressed out wide this season, and that could open up a space for Miley in midfield. Alternatively, Harvey Barnes could be given a chance on his favoured left side as a like-for-like replacement.

Howe pulled a tactical masterclass against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, and with Gordon now suspended the Newcastle manager may be tempted to try and surprise Liverpool with a new formation. Only time will tell.