Disgraced TV presenter compares Millwall ‘kung fu kick’ to Anthony Gordon red card
Richard Keys believes Anthony Gordon should be able to play for Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
The former Sky Sports presenter also questioned why the Toon ace - sent off against Brighton on Sunday - will receive the same punishment as Liam Roberts for his controversial red card. In arguably the biggest story of the weekend, the Millwall goalkeeper was vilified after his “kung fu kick” on Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Eagles striker required 25 stitches and was immediately sent to hospital following the tackle. Millwall boss Alex Neil insisted Roberts did not act maliciously and the tackle was a miscalculated error.
FA chiefs are now discussing whether to punish the Lions keeper further as debate rages about the foul. As for Gordon, he was shown a straight red for lashing out at Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
The news sickened Newcastle as it meant the 24-year-old will miss next weekend’s Carabao Cup final. Writing in his personal blog, the Magpies found a rare ally as Keys pleaded with the authorities to let Gordon play.
NewcastleWorld understands, however, that the St James’ Park hierarchy have no intention to launch a futile appeal. Keys wrote: “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 that 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 that 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.”