How many games will Nick Pope miss? Some Newcastle fans have asked this after the England international’s bizarre red card.
The 30-year-old received a straight red card in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool, which means he will miss Sunday’s Carabao Cup final clash against Manchester United at Wembley.
However – as you may have already heard – Pope is only banned for one game, which has confused many given the fact a red card is usually followed by a three-match suspension.
So, why is the £10m man only banned for one game? Let’s take a look…
Why Nick Pope is only banned for one game
Well, Newcastle fans and many more were surprised to hear that Pope would only miss one game.
That is due to the fact his red card was not a result of an incident involving violent conduct.
Many people presume that a straight red card automatically results in a three-game ban.
However, a straight red card received for dissent towards a match official leads to a two-game suspension, while incidents not of a violent nature – such as Pope’s innocent error – result in a one-match ban.
Tackles which endanger an opponent – such as a studs-up challenge – or violent conduct, like a headbutt, for example, lead to a three-game ban.
All of these details can be found on the Football Association’s official website.
In truth, Pope is unfortunate, as there is a strange lack of consistency in the rules.
For example, Joelinton went into the clash against Liverpool with nine yellow cards to his name in the Premier League this season.
Had the Brazilian picked up a tenth booking, he would have received a two-game ban, although that would have only been served in the Premier League rather than carry over into the Carabao Cup.
Therefore, it is harsh on Pope that his red card does spill over into the Carabao Cup, where Newcastle are set to take part in their most significant game for many years.
Hopefully, the Magpies can win it for their No.22 – who has arguably been the best goalkeeper in the Premier League so far this season.
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