The sole method by which Newcastle United can field Anthony Gordon in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool is as per FA regulations.

The sole method by which Newcastle United can field Anthony Gordon in the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool is as per FA regulations. Following a push on Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke during the 2-1 loss at St James’

Park, Anthony Taylor issued Gordon a straight red card, resulting in a three-match suspension. The 24-year-old will be unable to participate in the impending matches against West Ham United in the Premier League, Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, and Brentford in the Premier League, with a total absence of five weeks. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s head coach, stated following the Brighton loss,

“We will appeal. I believe that if we conduct an analysis of the incident and determine that there is a valid reason to do so, we will do so without hesitation.” In contrast to yellow card suspensions, which are competition-specific, red card suspensions are applicable to all domestic competitions in England. Newcastle will contemplate appealing the decision if they believe there is sufficient justification to do so.

Gordon’s availability for the Carabao Cup final is contingent upon Newcastle’s successful appeal of the red card decision. His suspension is irrevocable; it will either be maintained as three matches or eliminated entirely upon a successful appeal. The situation is reminiscent of a déjà vu moment,

as Nick Pope was disqualified from the 2023 Carabao Cup final after being sent off against Liverpool in the Premier League. Pope was issued a one-match suspension for manipulating the ball outside of the penalty area; however, this was sufficient to exclude him from the final against Manchester United. The regulations of the Football Association regarding

red card appeals and violent behaviour Gordon was dismissed for violent behaviour, which results in an automatic three-match suspension. However, Newcastle has a slim chance of having Gordon accessible for the final due to FA regulations. In order to prevail in their appeal, the club must demonstrate that referee Anthony Taylor committed a “obvious error” in dismissing Gordon.

The FA defines “violent conduct” as the use or attempted use of excessive force or brutality against an opponent when not challenging for the ball, or against a team-mate, team official, match official, spectator, or any other person, regardless of whether contact is made.

“In addition, a player is guilty of violent conduct if he or she intentionally strikes an opponent or any other individual on the head or face with the hand or arm when not challenging for the ball, unless the force used was negligible.”

VAR reviewed the decision and declined to intervene, as it was determined that Taylor had not committed an error in dismissing Gordon. Newcastle would need to demonstrate that their player either did not intend to strike van Hecke in the head or did so in an attempt to win the ball, as Gordon obviously pushed the defender in the head and looked at him before doing so.