St James’ Park was in disbelief when the Toon winger lashed out at Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. Referee Anthony Taylor immediately waved a red card – putting Gordon out of the Carabao Cup final later this month.
Newcastle went on to lose the game in extra time to place further pressure on the Wembley showdown as Eddie Howe aims to end the club’s 70-year wait without domestic silverware. The Magpies boss hinted post-match at Newcastle possibly appealing Gordon’s red card given the magnitude of the final.
However, ex-official Gallagher believes the request would be pointless as he “can’t see” the FA overturning the decision. He told Sky Sports: “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.”
‘Very unwise’ – Newcastle United given warning should they launch Anthony Gordon appeal
