Newcastle United told appeal has glimmer of hope as Anthony Gordon debate rages
Ally McCoist has claimed Newcastle United must appeal Anthony Gordon’s red card while questioning whether he should be banned for the Carabao Cup final.
Toon fans were furious when the winger was dismissed for violent conduct during the 2-1 FA Cup defeat to Brighton. Gordon lashed out at Jan Paul van Hecke after the whistle blew for offside and referee Anthony Taylor brandished the red card.
At that moment, the ongoing game became secondary, with attention turning to next month’s Wembley showdown. The 24-year-old is set to miss Newcastle’s next three games - which includes the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
Eddie Howe left the door open for a possible appeal when speaking to the media post-match. Speaking to talkSPORT, Rangers legend McCoist, who worked the game as a co-commentator, insisted Newcastle should appeal no matter how pointless that may be.
He also questioned whether an FA Cup dismissal should result in a Carabao Cup ban. McCoist said: “I think they’ve got to appeal… but they’ll lose it. You’ve got to try it. Give it your best shot, but I could not see, having watched it a few times, I don’t think there’s any grounds for an appeal.
“At this moment in time, I don’t know what it will be. I felt for him - he lost his head. It’s a moment of insanity and that cup final appearance has disappeared before his eyes with a stupid action. Will they appeal? I don’t know, but I think you have to. Should you be penalised for a trophy that you’ve not been sent off in?
“If it’s a league game, you get three league games. If it’s an FA Cup game, should you miss the FA Cup next season? There’s another question. He’s now getting punished in a different tournament.
“I’m not sure I’m 100 per cent comfortable with that. I’m just gutted for him. I really am gutted for him. Liverpool, understandably, will be favourites. Newcastle need everyone to pick from and that’s a blow.”