An ex-Premier League referee has shared his verdict Anthony Gordon following his red card in Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash with Brighton on Sunday. 

The 24-year-old has been rightly criticised for his moment of madness that saw him brandished a straight red for violent conduct as he lashed out at Jan Paul van Hecke, receiving a three-match ban for his efforts that will see him miss the Carabao Cup final. 

Gordon truthfully can have little complaints about Anthony Taylor’s decision and will be all too aware of what he has done. Nevertheless, there has been talk that Newcastle may appeal the decision to have the suspension reduced – with the prospects of it being overturned very low.

Gallagher quizzed on Gordon red

Former referee Dermot Gallagher has been speaking on Sky Sports News’ Ref Watch segment about Anthony Taylor’s decision to send Anthony Gordon off in yesterday’s FA Cup defeat to Brighton at St. James’ Park

The 67-year-old retired referee has given Gordon “no chance” of his ban being overturned. Discussing the incident, Gallagher said: “I think it was a very, very unwise thing for Anthony Gordon to do. The whistle had gone, play should have been stopped and for whatever reason he chose to take a very, very unwise action.

“Once you put your hands on a player’s face like he did, and he put both as well, don’t forget he put both in a real aggressive pushing motion, I think it was inevitable he was going to get a red card.

“Why it’s a big talking point is because of the Carabao Cup coming up. He’s now going to miss that game unless he wins his appeal, which I would suggest he has no chance whatsoever in my opinion.

“Appealing against a red card decision like that, you’ll have to prove the referee has made a clear and obvious mistake. I don’t think when you look at the images anybody can say he’s made a clear and obvious mistake.

“Anthony Gordon, for whatever reason, has put his hands into his face, he’s pushed him in an aggressive manner, it is violent conduct. Whether they will appeal that a three-match ban is too much, that’s a different matter. They can do that, but I can’t seriously see them winning an appeal and getting a three-match ban overturned whatsoever.”

It’s hard to see a world in which Gordon makes the Carabao Cup final and it’s entirely his own blame, with Eddie Howe now having to choose between a rare Harvey Barnes start or a Joelinton/Joe Willock combination on the left.

No sympathy for Gordon

Gordon missed our 2023 final against Man Utd as he was cup tied, and described that moment from the sidelines as one of the most frustrating days of his career.

Fast forward two years and he’ll miss another one – but he’ll get little sympathy this time around after such a needless show of petulance that could cost his teammates, the club and thousands of supporters hoping for our first domestic trophy in 70 years.

It’s almost impossible to try and gather the thought process of someone who earns a living playing football lashing out in the manner he did, late on in a game to rule him out of a much more significant cup final in two weeks time.

At Sunday League or semi-pro level it’s almost forgivable, but losing composure like that at the highest level (with VAR, might I add, so he knew he wouldn’t get away with it) Gordon has to give his apology to the fans with his performances when he comes back after massively scuppering our chances in two domestic competitions.