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Gary Lineker believes it is unfair that Nick Pope has to miss Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United next Sunday.

The 30-year-old was sent off in the 22nd minute of the Magpies’ 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday night for a handball. Pope will now immediately serve a one-match ban, which falls on the day of United’s first cup final in 24 years.

While Lineker did not disagree with referee Anthony Taylor’s decision, the former England striker argued Pope’s suspension shouldn’t impact his Carabao Cup selection, and that he should sit out a Premier League match instead.

Here’s the full transcript from Match of the Day involving Lineker and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

Alan Shearer: “I do feel sorry for him because he’s probably been Newcastle’s best player this season. He hasn’t made an error this season, he’s been superb, and he’s only conceded 15 goals. I don’t know why he didn’t go to clear it with his left or right foot. That’s the law, he’s got to be sent off.

Gary Lineker: “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.

Liverpool's Egyptian striker Mohamed Salah (L) fights for the ball with Newcastle United's English goalkeeper Nick Pope (R) during the English Premier League football match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James' Park in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, north east England on February 18, 2023. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Oli SCARFF / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

“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.

Alan Shearer: “Keep on going Lineker! Keep on going.”

Gary Lineker: “Dubravka is the reserve goalkeeper, the irony is he’s played for Manchester United in the Carabao Cup so he’ll get a winners medal if Manchester United win. So then it comes down to Loris Karius, who hasn’t played a game for two years.

Alan Shearer: “Or Mark Gillespie. It’s a big blow for Nick Pope and Newcastle. He’s been superb this season, I do feel for him. It’s the only error he’s made. They’ll still to there [to Wembley] full of hope.

Gary Lineker: “Let him play. Let him play.”

Gary Lineker launches Nick Pope rant - states why Newcastle United star should play v Man United