Newcastle United confirm Nick Pope appeal decision ahead of Manchester United final

Eddie Howe has revealed Newcastle United did not appeal Nick Pope’s red card against Liverpool - meaning Loris Karius is set to start Sunday’s Carabao Cup final.

Pope was sent off in the 22nd minute during the 2-0 defeat to the Reds after misjudging the flight of Alisson’s long ball forward and handling it under pressure from Mohamed Salah.

Howe maintains his feeling that the decision from referee Anthony Taylor was harsh, but didn’t United’s chances of having the one-match suspension overturned.

“No, we didn’t appeal,” Howe confirmed to the local media at today’s pre-Wembley media day. “As much as I felt sorry for Nick, and felt that the red card was really harsh for what he did, abiding by the rules, we didn’t think it worth appealing.”

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With Pope banned, and Martin Dubravka cup-tied having already played in the competition for Sunday’s opposition, Howe will call upon Karius and Mark Gillespie.

“They’re two goalkeepers who have been part of our goalkeeping unit all year.,” said Howe. “They train every day with the two coaches. They’ve been excellent. Their attitude to everything they’ve done has been very good.

“I know the focus from the media will be all on them expecting some big reaction, but it’s just (been) to work. To work as normal and get them ready for the game.”

Karius is expected to make his first competitive start for the Magpies - and his first senior appearance in almost two years - since joining as a free agent in September.

Gillespie, meanwhile, has made just three appearances in total for United after returning to his boyhood club two-and-a-half-years ago. His last outing was a League Cup penalty shootout win over Newport County in September 2020.

Asked if he was concerned about the pair’s last of game time, Howe said: “No, not so much as it would be with an outfield player. Obviously, an outfield player, you’d have severe doubts about their physical performance.

“Are they able to last the game? With a goalkeeper, the skills are totally different. They have had games. They’ve had a lot of training games. They’re involved in everything. What they need to do, they’ve got it there. They just haven’t had that crowd in front of them when they do it. That’s the only difference.

“I understand it’s probably preferable if they had, but they haven’t. Loris, for example, has got incredible experiences. I’ve no doubts he can handle the occasion.”

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