Allan Saint-Maximin laments Newcastle goalkeeper’s red card that stops him playing in cup final

Allan Saint-Maximin says he ‘feels sad’ for Nick Pope after the Newcastle United goalkeeper was sent off for handball.

Liverpool ended the Magpies’ 17-match unbeaten run in the Premier League with a 2-0 win at St James’ Park on Saturday. 

Juergen Klopp’s side caught Newcastle cold with a scintillating start and the stunned hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 22nd minute when Pope was red-carded. 

The French winger, 25, described the match as ‘a very bad day’ and pointed out that Pope will miss the Carabao Cup final match against Manchester United next Sunday.

He said: ‘Yes, it’s a very bad day. I feel sad for Pope. He tried to help the team – it’s a bad red card for the team because he will miss the cup final. 

Allan Saint-Maximin says he ‘feels sad’ for Nick Pope after the Newcastle United goalkeeper was sent off for handball

‘He did everything to help us, we need to support him. It’s a bad day. We played well today, we had the first chance with Almiron, after that they scored which was painful but we tried to continue to play and carry on. 

‘Even with ten men we played very well and we had chances to come back with Burn and Wilson, still had many chances so it’s very positive to see how we play with ten men. 

‘Don’t look at what has happened with Liverpool – they are still a great team. To play ten men against them is very bad – we need to be focused for the cup final. 

‘I am disappointed about the game because it’s important to win before the final – when you play in a final, it’s to win.’