Jamie Carragher has admitted that he's "gutted" Nick Pope will be suspended for Newcastle's Carabao Cup final against Manchester United.
In the first half of the Magpies' 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, Pope dived on top of a through ball from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson before it could reach Mohamed Salah and then handled the ball outside of the area. The England international was sent off and replaced by former United loanee Martin Dubravka.
Newcastle are subsequently without three senior goalkeepers for their next match, which happens to be the cup final against Erik ten Hag's side at Wembley. With Pope suspended, Dubravka cup-tied and Karl Darlow loaned out in the Championship at Hull City, either former Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will start in the capital.
READ MORE: Pope red card hands Newcastle goalkeeper crisis ahead of Carabao Cup final vs United
The situation left Carragher stunned on co-commentary during Sky Sports' live broadcast of the match. "I mean, wow! It comes from one goalkeeper and ends with another," he said.
"That all comes from Alisson and the run from Mo Salah; when he sees him coming, he’s just done something, oh....that is an absolute nightmare for Newcastle. Going to be a nightmare for this game as well, in maybe being a contest.
"Just a moment of madness. You feel for the lad, he’s been absolutely fantastic for Newcastle.
"Boy, will he regret that. I mean, there’s no doubt about the decision; when he’s kicking it away, he knows. Look, you can see it on his face. I must say, I am gutted for the lad. It is the right decision, it happens, but I’m absolutely gutted for him.
"Seeing him coming in today, he’s been a huge part of this renaissance at Newcastle, he’s been performing as well as any goalkeeper in this division, and we all know how big next week is for Newcastle. To have one of your best players missing, but listen, it’s football, it happens."
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