Newcastle United F.C. Star Handed UEFA Champions League Ban — Two More Players Risk Suspension

Newcastle United have been dealt a disciplinary setback ahead of their Champions League second leg, with one first-team regular suspended and two others walking a suspension tightrope.

The Magpies all but secured their place in the Round of 16 with a commanding 6-1 victory over Qarabag in Baku. Eddie Howe’s side produced a scintillating first-half display, racing into a five-goal lead by the interval.

Anthony Gordon was the standout performer, scoring four times in a devastating opening 45 minutes. Malick Thiaw also found the net, rising highest in the penalty area to power home Kieran Trippier’s inviting cross for his first Champions League goal for the club. Jacob Murphy’s deflected effort after the break completed the rout.

Thiaw to Miss Second Leg

Despite getting on the scoresheet, Malick Thiaw will play no part in the return fixture at St James’ Park after receiving a yellow card in the second half from Norwegian referee Espen Eskås.

The booking was Thiaw’s third of the Champions League campaign, triggering an automatic one-match suspension under UEFA regulations. As a result, the defender will sit out the second leg against Qarabag but will be eligible to return for the Round of 16, should Newcastle progress as expected.

Some supporters have suggested the suspension may offer Thiaw a timely rest. However, head coach Eddie Howe dismissed the idea that it represents a positive development.

“No, I don’t see it as a blessing,” Howe said. “I see it as a negative because we’re really stretched in that position. Of course, it gives us no debate.

“We have to give Malick a rest. He’s probably going to need that for a while.

“In some senses, that could be a positive thing for him, but I don’t think it’s a positive for the team.”

Importantly, yellow card suspensions in UEFA competitions do not carry over into domestic fixtures, meaning Thiaw remains available for Newcastle’s Premier League clash against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday evening.

Joelinton and Burn Walking a Fine Line

While Thiaw serves his suspension, two of his team-mates must tread carefully in the second leg.

Joelinton and Dan Burn have each accumulated two yellow cards in this season’s Champions League. Another booking in the return fixture would see either player suspended for the first leg of the Round of 16.

Burn completed the full 90 minutes in Baku alongside Thiaw, while Joelinton made a second-half appearance as he continued his return from injury.

Elsewhere, Bruno Guimarães, Sandro Tonali, Aaron Ramsdale, Joe Willock, Anthony Elanga and Gordon have each received one yellow card in the competition. Those players would need to accumulate two further cautions before facing a ban. Under UEFA rules, yellow cards are wiped following the quarter-final stage to prevent suspensions carrying into the final due to accumulation.

Round of 16 Opponents Loom

Should Newcastle complete the job on Tyneside, they could face either Chelsea or Barcelona in the last 16 — a prospect that would further underline the scale of their European campaign.

For now, however, Howe must balance squad management with discipline as Newcastle look to finish the tie professionally and continue their impressive run on the continental stage.