FA told to ‘delay’ Nick Pope’s ban & ‘sanction’ Newcastle United final appearance v Man United

Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes the FA should delay Nick Pope’s one-match suspension to enable him to play in the Carabao Cup.

The Magpies No.1 was sent off during Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool for a handball after misjudging the flight of Alisson’s long pass to Mohamed Salah.

As a result, Pope will sit out of United’s first Wembley final in 24 years, with Loris Karius expected to start in place of the cup-tied Martin Dubravka.

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But Hackett, similar to the view of former England striker Gary Lineker, reckons Pope’s suspension should be served in a league match, rather than the cup.

“Football can be very cruel and sadly because of a few seconds of almost doing something naturally Nick Pope Newcastle GK misses a final,” Hackett tweeted.

“The referee was correct to dismiss Pope. The authorities should delay the sanction to enable Pope to play. There I have said it.”

Lineker, speaking on Match on the Day, said: “The one thing I would say though is he’s getting a one-game ban in a competition that is different. He’s going to miss the Carabao Cup final now, that seems disproportionate.

“Wasn’t Joelinton on nine yellows? Had he got another yellow he’d have missed two games but not the Carabao Cup final. Come on, let him play in the cup final! He’s been brilliant this season.”

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