Newcastle United are facing the prospect of a League Cup final without in-form goalkeeper Nick Pope next weekend. The Magpies stopper was sent for an early bath in the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool after handling the ball outside the penalty area.
Pope was visibly gutted after Anthony Taylor brandished the red, with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe labelling the decision 'harsh'. Loris Karius is now expected to start in between the sticks at Wembley next weekend when Howe's side take on Manchester United.
The Toon boss was asked about whether he would appeal the decision, given he felt it was a harsh call. Football rules state a goalkeeper can be sent off for a handball offence if he was deemed to have denied a goal or an obvious goal-scoring opportunity through the handball.
