EDDIE HOWE felt the decision to send off Nick Pope during Newcastle United’s 2-0 defeat to Liverpool was “harsh” – but the Magpies will not be appealing the red card.

Pope was dismissed in the first half of yesterday’s defeat at St James’ Park after he handled the ball outside his area as Mo Salah was threatening to break clear.

Pope appeared to instinctively throw out his hand as he slid to the floor, and while there was a covering defender attempting to get back, Salah would almost certainly have got a shot away had the Magpies goalkeeper not intervened. As a result, referee Anthony Taylor immediately issued a straight red card.

Howe accepts Pope handled the ball outside his box, but feels a yellow card would have been sufficient punishment for the offence.

He said: “These things happen at such high speed, and the conditions were slightly difficult with the wind and the slippy surface. I think he just probably slightly misjudged the ball.

“Yes, it's hit his arm. Is it a red card? I'm of the view I think that was harsh, personally. I think the referee could have easily given a yellow card in that situation.”

Nevertheless, Newcastle are not set to appeal the decision, meaning either Loris Karius or Mark Gillespie will have to start next weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester United, with Karius expected to get the nod.

When asked whether the Magpies would be lodging an appeal, Howe said: “I don't know where we stand on that so it would be foolish of me to comment too much.”