What Anthony Gordon’s red card in the FA Cup means ahead of Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup final
On Sunday, March 2, 2025, Anthony Gordon, the winger for Newcastle United, found himself at the center of controversy after receiving a straight red card during his team’s dramatic FA Cup fifth-round clash against Brighton and Hove Albion. This incident has raised many questions and concerns about his future involvement in crucial matches, particularly the upcoming Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Gordon’s red card, which was issued in the later stages of the match, has not only led to a suspension but also sparked widespread reactions from fans, commentators, and experts alike.
The match between Newcastle United and Brighton was a fiercely contested encounter, with both teams fighting for a place in the next round of the prestigious FA Cup. However, the game took a dramatic turn in the final minutes when Gordon, who had been having a rather average performance throughout the match, was involved in an altercation with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke. The altercation occurred with just seven minutes of regular time remaining, and it proved to be a turning point for both Gordon and Newcastle United’s chances in the game.
As tensions rose, Gordon, in a moment of frustration, lashed out at van Hecke, pushing him forcefully with both hands. This move appeared to be a reaction to what Gordon believed was a series of unfavorable calls by the referee, including a decision to deny him a penalty earlier in the match. His push was aggressive enough to warrant immediate action from referee Anthony Taylor, who did not hesitate to show the England international a straight red card for violent conduct. The red card meant that Gordon would be sent off and would miss the remainder of the match, which ultimately ended in a 1-1 draw.
The consequences of Gordon’s actions, however, extended far beyond the final whistle of the FA Cup match. The red card automatically triggered a three-game ban for Gordon, as per the rules governing violent conduct in English football. This suspension meant that Gordon would miss Newcastle United’s upcoming Premier League matches against West Ham and Brentford. While those fixtures were important, the timing of the suspension could not have been worse for Gordon and his team, as the red card meant that he would also be sidelined for the highly anticipated Carabao Cup final against Liverpool on March 16, 2025.
The Carabao Cup final, which is one of the most prestigious domestic cup competitions in English football, represents a significant opportunity for Newcastle United to secure a major piece of silverware. For Gordon, the final would have been a special occasion, as it was a chance for him to make a significant contribution to his team’s success in a high-profile match. However, his reckless behavior has now robbed him of that chance, leaving him to watch from the stands as his teammates battle Liverpool for the coveted trophy.
The reaction to Gordon’s red card was swift and widespread, with many fans and pundits expressing their frustration and disappointment at his actions. On social media, the reaction was largely negative, with many supporters criticizing Gordon for making a costly mistake that could have serious implications for his team’s season. One fan wrote: “Anthony Gordon sent off for Newcastle and will serve a three-match ban, missing the Carabao Cup final. A completely stupid and needless red card too.” The sentiment was echoed by many others, who saw Gordon’s actions as a moment of madness that could have been easily avoided.
Another fan shared their thoughts, saying: “Seasons turn on footballers making very daft decisions. And Anthony Gordon may well have cost Newcastle in this game and in the League Cup final. What was he thinking there? That seemed so idiotic.” This comment reflects the frustration of many fans who felt that Gordon’s decision was not only foolish but also a significant blow to Newcastle’s ambitions for the remainder of the season.
A third fan weighed in, saying: “Anthony Gordon with a moment of madness,” a simple yet accurate description of the incident. Another fan added, “Nice of Anthony Gordon to get a straight red which means he misses the cup final against his boyhood club.” The fan was referring to the fact that Gordon, a player who had grown up supporting Liverpool, would miss the opportunity to play against them in the final, a game that many believed could have been a special moment for him.
The disappointment surrounding Gordon’s red card was also felt by those who had seen how much the Carabao Cup meant to him. In previous interviews, Gordon had spoken about how difficult it was for him to watch the 2023 Carabao Cup final from the stands, and how he was determined to play in the 2025 final. One fan remarked: “Anthony Gordon said watching the 2023 Carabao final from the stands was one of the hardest moments of his career. He couldn’t wait for Wembley. Now one reckless moment means he’ll be watching the 2025 Carabao Cup final from the stands too.” This comment summed up the sense of disappointment that surrounded Gordon’s actions and the impact it had on his personal goals for the season.
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who was commentating on the game for BBC Radio 5 Live, also offered his perspective on the incident. Robinson, known for his honest and often blunt assessments, did not hold back in his critique of Gordon’s actions. He described the incident as a “moment of madness” and suggested that it was a clear display of frustration on Gordon’s part. “Anthony Gordon has gone over the top of Jan Paul van Hecke,” Robinson said during his commentary. “Gordon knows he cannot get there and he has run into Van Hecke with two hands. It looked like frustration to me. He has pushed the Brighton defender with force.” Robinson went on to describe the incident as “petulance,” emphasizing that Gordon’s actions were a result of his anger and disappointment at not getting an early penalty in the match.
“Petulance. That’s all it was,” Robinson added. “Gordon felt hard done by that he didn’t get the early penalty. That motion is what the referee has seen. It is stupid from Anthony Gordon.” Robinson’s comments highlighted the emotional nature of the incident, suggesting that Gordon’s actions were a knee-jerk reaction to perceived injustices during the match. While frustration can be a part of any player’s experience on the pitch, Robinson’s analysis made it clear that Gordon’s actions were a result of losing his cool in a critical moment.
The incident has sparked much debate, and many are questioning whether Gordon’s actions were completely out of character. Known for his pace and technical ability, Gordon has made a name for himself as a talented young player with immense potential. However, this red card has put a spotlight on his temperament and decision-making in high-pressure situations. For many, this was a reminder that footballers, no matter how skilled, are still human and prone to mistakes, especially when emotions run high. In Gordon’s case, his rash decision will be remembered not for his talent on the ball, but for the costly error that has now left him watching from the sidelines during one of the most important matches of the season.
For Newcastle United, the loss of Gordon in such a critical moment is a major blow. The team had been looking to build momentum in both the Premier League and the domestic cup competitions, and the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool was seen as an opportunity to end a long trophy drought. With Gordon now suspended, manager Eddie Howe will have to find a way to adjust his tactics and team selection in the absence of one of his key attacking players.
The question remains: can Newcastle overcome the loss of Gordon and still succeed in the Carabao Cup final? It’s clear that the team will need to dig deep and find a way to cope with the setback. The upcoming matches will be crucial in determining whether the Magpies can still challenge for silverware without their talented winger.
As for Gordon, he will have plenty of time to reflect on his actions during his suspension. The incident has undoubtedly left a stain on his reputation, and he will need to work hard to regain the trust of his manager, teammates, and fans. It is a harsh lesson in discipline and self-control, one that he will likely not forget. Football is a game of fine margins, and in this case, Gordon’s moment of frustration has cost him a chance to make history with Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
In the end, the red card incident involving Anthony Gordon serves as a reminder that football is not only about skill and talent but also about making the right decisions at crucial moments. It also highlights the emotional rollercoaster that players experience, especially in high-stakes games, and how quickly a moment of frustration can derail a player’s season and impact their team’s chances of success. For Gordon, the road ahead will be one of redemption, and he will be eager to prove that he can learn from this mistake and come back stronger.
