Pope’s moment of madness in Liverpool defeat gives Karius shot at Newcastle immortality

NEWCASTLE: Carabao Cup heartbreak for Nick Pope has opened the door for forgotten man Loris Karius as Newcastle United imploded at St. James’ Park in the Premier League against Liverpool.

A moment of madness from Pope saw him handle outside the area and was subsequently red-carded as the 10-man Magpies crashed to only their second topflight defeat of the season.

First-half strikes from Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo saw the Reds into a comfortable lead before Pope was dismissed, meaning he will miss next weekend’s trip to Wembley, where Manchester United sit between Newcastle and their first meaningful silverware for 54 years.

German Karius is now set to make his Magpies debut in next weekend’s showpiece — and it will be his first final since his disastrous show for Liverpool in the 2018 Champions League final, which the Reds lost 3-1 to Real Madrid.

“I thought they were clinical with their chances when they came and obviously Nick Pope’s sending off changed the game,” said head coach Eddie Howe.

“I’ve not had a proper word with him but I’ve seen him and he looks visibly upset. He’s been outstanding for us this season.

“It was probably technically handball but I don’t know the rules on red cards outside the box. For me it was a harsh reaction but I understand if it’s in the rules. It’s harsh for Nick because he’s been magnificent for us and to miss the next game is a huge blow for him.

“We’ve got a decision to make. Mark Gillespie has trained very well this season as has Loris.

“Nick is very disappointed, as are we. He doesn’t deserve to miss the game. It is what it is, we will see what our options are.

“There was real quality, we opened Liverpool up at times and created some real chances. That’s the difference,