Alan Shearer has admitted that he "feels" for Nick Pope following his suspension for the Carabao Cup final, despite agreeing that Anthony Taylor was correct in sending off the Newcastle United goalkeeper during the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool.
It was a night to forget for those at St James' Park as Jurgen Klopp's side broke the Magpies' 17-game unbeaten run. Goals from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo inside the opening 20 minutes proved to be all Liverpool needed to claim victory over Newcastle for the second time this season.
However, things quickly went from bad to worse for the Tyneside club when Pope was shown a straight red card for handling the ball outside the area. The dismissal now means that the 30-year-old will be suspended for Newcastle's Wembley clash with Manchester United.
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Eddie Howe would normally now turn to Martin Dubravka, but he is cup-tied following his league cup appearance against Aston Villa during his brief loan spell at Old Trafford. And with Karl Darlow on loan at Hull City, it now means that Loris Karius will be between the sticks for their trip to the capital on February 26.
It was a heartbreaking moment for Pope, who has been instrumental in the club's run to the final as the shot-stopper now has to watch from the sidelines. Shearer knows all too well that it was a devastating blow for his former side, but despite his sympathy, he admitted that the correct outcome has been reached.
Taking to social media, Shearer wrote: "I know it’s the correct decision but I feel for Nick Pope."
Howe also said he feels for the stopper, who has been a rock for Newcastle this term. “He’s very disappointed, understandably, as we are for him," the Newcastle boss said at full-time.
"He’s been magnificent for us this season. He doesn’t deserve to miss the game, but it is what it is."
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