Dermot Gallagher has backed Anthony Taylor’s decision to dismiss Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope. A gut-wrenching sending-off for handball outside of his box means the 30-year-old will miss the Carabao Cup final this weekend.
The decision was cruel for Pope, who has been instrumental in the Magpies’ success this season. Martin Dubravka finished the remainder of the game but his participation in the early rounds - ironically for Manchester United - rules him out on Sunday.
Eddie Howe will call upon Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie against the Red Devils, with neither keeper playing a competitive fixture for two years. Some Newcastle supporters flirted with the idea of a possible appeal to rescind Pope’s one-game ban. However, doing so appears unlikely.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker leads Newcastle plea for Nick Pope ban to be overturned after Liverpool 'anomaly'
Former Premier League referee Gallagher has rejected Howe’s post-match analysis that the red card was “harsh”, insisting Pope denied Salah a goalscoring opportunity. He told Sky Sports: “(It was a) red card. Denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity. If he hadn't handled the ball, Salah would be in control of the ball, going directly towards goal.
“I know the defender is covering but, if a defender had done that and the goalkeeper was there, you'd still send him off. It’s a goalscoring opportunity because he's (Salah) only got to take two steps forward with the ball and shoot towards the goal.”
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe's words should warn Manchester United and Jurgen Klopp thinks Newcastle have solution
- Newcastle have another obvious Nick Pope fix as Manchester United warned of 'a lot of problems'
- Joelinton plea ignored by Howe, Saint-Maximin's unseen moment and special guests watch Newcastle
- Nick Pope's classy move at half-time and the huge pre-Wembley injury boost for Newcastle United
- Liverpool stars Van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold pay back-handed compliment to Newcastle United
