Newcastle United suffer dual setbacks before Carabao Cup final: Details
What's the story
Newcastle United's upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16 will see the Magpies play without two key players: Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall. While the latter has been ruled out for the rest of the season due to a foot injury, Anthony Gordon will be serving a three-game ban after his red card vs Brighton. Meanwhile, these setbacks have now left Newcastle to play the final without their first-choice left-hand side. Here's more.
Suspension details
Gordon's suspension confirmed after FA Cup defeat
As mentioned, Gordon, who was shown a straight red card in Sunday's FA Cup defeat to Brighton, will also miss the Carabao Cup final. The card came after he raised his hands to Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke's face, leading to a three-game suspension. Although Newcastle United initially contemplated appealing against the sending-off, the club finally opted against appealing the decision.
Additional matches
Gordon's absence extends beyond Carabao Cup final
Along with the Carabao Cup final, Gordon will also miss the trip to West Ham on March 10 and the home game against Brentford on April 2. Former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher said Sky Sports' Ref Watch that Newcastle had no chance of overturning Gordon's three-game suspension. He stressed it was an unwise action by Gordon and called it "violent conduct." "It was a very unwise thing for Anthony Gordon to do because the whistle had gone," he stated.
Team support
Dan Burn defends Gordon's actions
In light of the suspension, Newcastle defender Dan Burn came to the defense of his teammate, saying Gordon had no "intent" to hurt Van Hecke, as per Sky Sports. "He's going to be disappointed, isn't he? I really don't think there was any sort of intent there, he's not that type of player. It's just a real shame for him," Burn said. The statement highlights the team's support for Gordon in this difficult time.
Numbers
A look at Gordon and Hall's numbers this season
Gordon has netted nine goals across 34 appearances this season for the Magpies. He also boasts six assists. Meanwhile, six of his goals and five of his assists have come in 26 Premier League appearances. On the other hand, Hall has appeared in 34 matches for Newcastle across competitions this season, keeping 12 clean sheets. Notably, he owns 4 assists and 7 clean sheets in the Premier League 2024/25 season.