Former Premier League referee Keith Hackett believes that Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope's one-match ban should not apply to Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
Pope was sent off during the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday after handling the ball outside of the penalty area and the denial of a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The England international rushed off his line to get to the ball before Reds forward Mohamed Salah. However, his attempted header went wrong, with the ball bouncing off his head before he took control of the ball with both hands.
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It was an unfortunate moment for the shot-stopper, which will now mean he misses the final at Wembley against United.
In even worse news for the Magpies, they will also be without second-choice goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
The Slovakian played for United during his loan spell at Old Trafford earlier in the tournament, meaning he is cup-tied. Ironically, Dubravka will receive a winners' medal only if United beat Newcastle at Wembley.
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Pope's red card, therefore, means Magpies boss Eddie Howe must choose between two backup goalkeepers to choose between the sticks - Mark Gillespie and former Liverpool stopper Loris Karius.
But Hackett believes Pope should be allowed to play.
Ex-PL referee makes Pope stance ahead of Man Utd fixture
Writing on his official Twitter account, Hackett said: "Football can be very cruel and sadly because of a few seconds of almost doing something naturally Nick Pope Newcastle GK misses a final. The referee was correct to dismiss Pope.
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"The authorities should delay the sanction to enable Pope to play. There I have said it."
It has been argued by others that Pope should be able to play at Wembley, given the differences in how suspensions for red and yellow cards work. However, United fans would certainly be furious if that were to be the case.
If a player picks up five or 10 yellow cards in the Premier League, and incurs a one-or two-match ban as a result, the suspension would only apply to the same competition.
This is also the case in domestic cup competitions, with the player not forced to serve a ban from league matches as a result.
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But the red card law has been in place for a number of years, with Watford's Jose Holebas banned from the 2019 FA Cup final against Manchester City after being sent off in the final game of the Premier League season.
His red card, however, was ultimately rescinded, and he played at Wembley.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Premier League, Carabao Cup