Anthony Gordon's red card chaos threatens Newcastle's cup dreams

The dismissal, which came in extra time at St James' Park, could see the England international miss the upcoming League Cup final against Liverpool on March 16.

The Magpies were already reeling from Danny Welbeck's 114th-minute winner when Gordon shoved Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke in the face, earning a straight red card. A three-game ban for violent conduct now looms large, potentially ruling the 24-year-old - who has bagged nine goals and six assists this season - out of the Wembley showdown.

Manager Eddie Howe didn't hide his frustration after the match. "It looked harsh, but we'll have to analyse it properly," he said. "I've not seen a replay yet, but from my original view, it felt like a tough call."

On whether Newcastle would appeal, Howe added, "Possibly. Anthony didn't mean any harm. I spoke to him briefly, and he was gutted."

The loss of Gordon would be a brutal blow for Newcastle, who are desperate to end their decades-long trophy drought. His pace and flair have been vital this campaign, and fans are already sweating over the prospect of facing a rampant Liverpool side without him.

Meanwhile, Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler heaped praise on match-winner Welbeck, who came off the bench to clinch their spot in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The veteran striker's clever finish sparked talk of an England recall under new boss Thomas Tuchel.

"He's a great leader, a great role model, and a great player," Hurzeler said. "That goal sealed the win, but his work rate was immense. Tuchel will decide, but I'm just happy to have him."

The game itself was a rollercoaster. Newcastle grabbed an early lead when Alexander Isak, back from a groin injury, smashed home a penalty after Tino Livramento was fouled by Brighton's Yankuba Minteh. But Minteh, a former Newcastle youngster, made amends just before half-time, powering through to level the score.

The second half turned feisty and Gordon's red was followed by a late dismissal for Brighton's Tariq Lamptey for a cynical challenge.

Newcastle thought they'd won it late when Fabian Schar slotted home, only for semi-automated offside technology to rule it out by the finest of margins. Welbeck then stole the show in extra time, breaking the offside trap to lift a shot over Martin Dubravka and send Brighton through.

Adding to Newcastle's woes, both Isak and Kieran Trippier limped off with injury concerns. "We hope they're not serious because we don't have the depth to cope," Howe admitted.

For Brighton, it's onwards and upwards in the FA Cup. For Newcastle, it's a race against time - and the disciplinary panel - to keep their cup final dreams alive.

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