How Nick Pope could still play in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final v Manchester United

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe felt Nick Pope’s red card against Liverpool was harsh.

With the Magpies trailing 2-0 after goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo, Pope was sent off in the 22nd minute for a handball after misjudging the flight of Alisson’s long ball forward.

The 30-year-old is set to serve a one-match ban and as a result miss next Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.

“These things happen at such high speed,” said Howe on the incident. “The conditions were slightly difficult today with the wind and slippy surface. He probably just slightly misjudged the ball.

“Yes, it’s hit his arm and got a red card, which I thought was harsh personally. I thought the referee could have easily given a yellow card in that situation.”

The only way Pope can feature at Wembley is if Newcastle appeal his red card - and it is successfully overturned.

Asked if United could launch an appeal, Howe replied: “I don’t know where we stand on that. It would be foolish of me to comment on that too much.”

Howe added: “It was probably technically handball but I don’t know the rules on red cards outside the box. For me it was a harsh reaction but I understand if it’s in the rules.

“It’s harsh for Nick because he’s been magnificent for us and to miss the next game is a huge blow for him.

As it stands, Loris Karius’ first competitive appearance for Newcastle is set to be at Wembley in the club’s first final in 24 years, although Howe refused to rule out Mark Gillespie starting in between the sticks.

“He’s very disappointed, understandably, as we are for him,” Howe said on Pope. “He’s been magnificent this season for us, he doesn’t deserve to miss the game but it is what it is.

“We’ll what our options are but we have Loris and Mark who have trained really well this season and been a part of the goalkeeping team all season.

“Behind the scenes, these lads train every day and play games behind closed doors. I’ve got no doubt both are in great physical condition to play the game no injury concerns.

“We’re very hands-on and active with them during the sessions. We will mix and rotate who we use in certain moments, so they’ve all been part of our training all season.”