Why Sean Longstaff is banned from Newcastle's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Brentford

Newcastle have a great chance of reaching the last four of the Carabao Cup.

With all due respect to Brentford, they were one of three sides along with Southampton and Crystal Palace who the Magpies would have been wishing to draw, seeing as Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham are also still in the competition.

Newcastle were also drawn as the home side, so Eddie Howe will have the advantage of his side playing at St James’ Park.

However, the 46-year-old has the disadvantage of being without Sean Longstaff for the Carabao Cup quarter-final.

Sean Longstaff banned after just two yellow cards

In the Premier League, players receive a one-match suspension if they accumulate five yellow cards within the first 19 games of a season.

Longstaff is only on two yellow cards in nine Premier League outings, but the Carabao Cup has differing rules.

Due to the fact Newcastle’s No.36 has accumulated two yellow cards in three Carabao Cup games this term, he has received a one-game ban, which is why Howe will be unable to call upon the 27-year-old for the clash on Wednesday 18th December.

Newcastle fans will be disappointed

Regardless of whether you think Sandro Tonali should be starting ahead of Longstaff or not, no Newcastle fan will say this is a sensible rule.

The Geordie will now miss the chance to help his boyhood side reach a semi-final, just for picking up two yellow cards in three outings.

Of course, had Longstaff – who Leicester wanted to sign last summer – received a red card at any point in those three Carabao Cup appearances, then fair enough, but a ban for two bookings seems quite harsh, in our view.

It does – however – provide a chance for someone else to step up and be a hero, such as another local lad in Lewis Miley, who Newcastle are being cautious with after his injury issues in the last 12 months.