Eddie Howe has revealed how Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope was 'visibly upset' after being sent off against Liverpool - earning a suspension for next weekend's Carabao Cup final.
Pope saw red after handling outside the area when trying to stop Mohamed Salah from breaking through on goal. Liverpool were already 2-0 up at the time and cruised to a comfortable win to send a blow to the Magpies top-four hopes.
The dismissal and subsequent ban means that the England international, who has kept the most Premier League clean sheets this season with 12, will be unavailable for next weekend's trip to face Manchester United at Wembley, and after the game Howe claimed it was harsh on Pope who is devastated to be missing out.
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"I thought they were clinical with their chances when they came and obviously Nick Pope's sending-off changed the game,” Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports. "I've not had a proper word with him but I've seen him and he looks visibly upset. He's been outstanding for us this season.
"It was probably technically handball but I don't know the rules on red cards outside the box. For me, it was a harsh reaction, but I understand if it's in the rules. It's harsh for Nick because he's been magnificent for us and to miss the next game is a huge blow for him."
Newcastle now face a crisis between the posts for next Sunday, with second-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka cup-tied, following his appearances for United earlier in the competition, while Karl Darlow in out on loan at Hull City and unable to be recalled.
That leaves Howe with Loris Karius, the former Liverpool goalkeeper whose ill-fated 2018 Champions League final saw him depart Anfield, or Mark Gillespie who last played in any capacity in 2020.
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