AliousFormer Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher regularly reviews contentious officiating decisions in the English top flight for *Sky Sports*. This week, he provided his analysis on a key moment from Newcastle United’s FA Cup clash with Brighton at St James’ Park—a moment that significantly influenced the outcome of the match and could have further implications for upcoming fixtures.
Gallagher’s Verdict on Anthony Gordon’s Red Card**
Speaking to *Sky Sports*, Gallagher was asked to assess the controversial sending-off of Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, who received a straight red card for pushing Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the face.
Presenter’s Question:**
*”Anthony Gordon was shown a straight red for pushing Van Hecke in the head. What’s your take on the decision?”*
Dermot Gallagher’s Response:**
*”I think it was an extremely unwise decision from Gordon.”*
*”The whistle had already been blown, play had stopped. Yet, for whatever reason, he chose to react in that manner.”*
*”Once you put your hands on an opponent’s face—especially with both hands in an aggressive pushing motion—it’s almost inevitable you’ll be sent off.”*
*”The main talking point now is the impact this has on Newcastle’s season. With the Carabao Cup final just around the corner, Gordon will miss that game unless an appeal is successful. However, in my opinion, he has no real chance of overturning the decision.”*
Presenter’s Follow-up:**
*”What are the chances of Newcastle at least reducing the ban from three matches to one?”*
Gallagher’s Reply:**
*”That’s a different discussion entirely.”*
*”To overturn a red card, Newcastle would need to prove the referee made a clear and obvious error. But when you look at the footage, it’s difficult to argue that a mistake was made.”*
*”Gordon clearly put both hands on Van Hecke’s face and pushed him in a way that can be classified as violent conduct.”*
*”Newcastle might argue that a three-match ban is excessive, but I struggle to see any appeal being successful in completely overturning the suspension.”*
### **Match Summary: Newcastle 1-2 Brighton (AET) – Sunday, March 2, 2025**
Brighton secured a 2-1 victory after extra time, eliminating Newcastle from the FA Cup. The Seagulls took the lead through Yankuba Minteh in the 44th minute before being reduced to 10 men when Tariq Lamptey was sent off in stoppage time. Newcastle failed to capitalize on their numerical advantage, and Danny Welbeck’s extra-time goal sealed Brighton’s win.
#### **Match Stats:**
– **Possession:** Newcastle 48% – Brighton 52%
– **Total Shots:** Newcastle 15 – Brighton 21
– **Shots on Target:** Newcastle 5 – Brighton 5
– **Corners:** Newcastle 6 – Brighton 5
– **Touches in Opposition Box:** Newcastle 38 – Brighton 45
### **Newcastle United Starting XI vs Brighton:**
*Dubravka, Livramento, Trippier (Targett 69’), Schär, Burn, Joelinton (Willock 56’), Tonali, Miley (Bruno 56’), Gordon, Isak (Wilson 86’), Barnes (Murphy 56’)*
*Substitutes: Pope, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff*
### **Upcoming Newcastle Fixtures:**
– **Monday, March 10** – *West Ham vs Newcastle* (8 PM, Sky Sports)
– **Sunday, March 16** – *Newcastle vs Liverpool* (Carabao Cup Final, 4:30 PM, Sky Sports)
– **Wednesday, April 2** – *Newcastle vs Brentford* (7:45 PM)
– **Monday, April 7** – *Leicester vs Newcastle* (8 PM, Sky Sports)
– **Sunday, April 13** – *Newcastle vs Manchester United* (4:30 PM, Sky Sports)
– **Wednesday, April 16** – *Newcastle vs Crystal Palace* (7:30 PM)
– **Saturday, April 19** – *Aston Villa vs Newcastle* (5:30 PM, Sky Sports)
– **Saturday, April 26** – *Newcastle vs Ipswich* (3 PM)
With Gordon’s suspension set to rule him out of crucial fixtures, Newcastle will have to adjust their plans as they push for success on multiple fronts.
Alious
