Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon has been handed a three-match suspension following a straight red card he received during his team's FA Cup clash against Brighton and Hove Albion on February 25, 2025. The suspension rules him out of the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool, scheduled for March 16, 2025, marking another significant setback for the Magpies as they seek their first major trophy since 1955.
Gordon's dismissal occurred late in the game when he lashed out at Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke following what he felt was improper officiation of the match, particularly after his penalty appeal was denied. Referee Anthony Taylor issued the red card for violent conduct, which is defined by the FA as using or attempting to use excessive force against another player. This incident has left Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and fans alike worried about Gordon's absence for the cup final.
Former Manchester United star and ITV pundit Roy Keane described Gordon's actions as “a moment of madness,” empathizing with the young player’s frustration. “He’ll have to take his medicine now, he’s going to be punished with the suspension. I do feel for him—I've done daft stuff on the pitch,” said Keane, expressing the sentiment many supporters and analysts shared after the match.
Paul Robinson, another football pundit and former England goalkeeper, criticized Gordon's impulsiveness, labeling it as “petulance” and reflecting on how the player’s frustrations led to the reckless shove. “Gordon knows he cannot get there, and he has run to Van Hecke with two hands. It looked like frustration to me,” Robinson noted, indicating how emotional players can sometimes make rash decisions.
Gordon's absence will not only be felt against Liverpool, but he will also miss their upcoming matches against West Ham and Brentford, frustrating fans who had hoped to see the winger shine on the big stage at Wembley. This is particularly heartbreaking for Gordon, considering he was key during Newcastle's run to the final, having scored goals against Arsenal in both legs of the semi-finals.
Howe, when asked about the possibility of appealing the red card, said he felt the decision looked harsh but recognized the need for careful review. “Well, it looks harsh but we’ll have to analyze it properly – I’ve not seen a replay of it, I’m just going on my original view,” Howe commented, expressing his disappointment at the situation. The manager’s uncertainty about appealing reflects the ambiguity surrounding officiation decisions and the potential impacts they can have on teams at pivotal moments.
The news was compounded by concerns over another of Newcastle's key players, Alexander Isak, who appeared to suffer an injury shortly after Gordon's red card. Isak was substituted and seen limping down the tunnel, creating additional pressure as Newcastle prepare for one of the most significant matches of their season. Missing both Gordon and Isak could severely hamper their chances against Liverpool, who are eager to capitalize on Newcastle's misfortunes.
Sunday's chaotic FA Cup match saw Newcastle take the lead with Isak scoring from the penalty spot before being pegged back by Yankuba Minteh’s equalizer. The match was characterized by its intensity, and the second red card issued to Brighton's Tariq Lamptey meant both teams ended the evening with ten men. Despite this, it’s Gordon's indiscretion, followed by the inevitable repercussions, that's leaving the club reevaluated as they look to bounce back from their cup exit.
Reflecting on the cost of missed opportunities, Gordon commented previously on his disappointment from not being able to participate because of cup-tied regulations when Newcastle faced Manchester United last year. “I was devastated last time. I had played in a stupid cup game just before I came (to Newcastle). I just regretted my choices. Our performance will determine whether I get another chance,” he said, hearing echoes of his past missteps as he gears up for this next battle from the sidelines.
With the final approaching, Newcastle United faces the reality of transitioning without Gordon, potentially needing to dig deep and lean on their remaining squad if they want to overcome their Premier League rivals. This group, having shown flashes of brilliance this season, must now resolve themselves, as they’ve been tested through adversity before. The question remains whether they can rise once again amid turmoil and secure the prize they long for at Wembley.
While Gordon's actions have caused dismay and frustration within the club and among fans, it also presents a chance for other players to step up and show their worth. With the clock ticking down to the cup final, Newcastle’s resilience will be under the spotlight, compelling them to confront the tough match against Liverpool with determination and heart.