Millwall issues statement after what they call a ‘ludicrous’ decision ahead of the Newcastle United cup clash.

Millwall have received a major boost ahead of their Carabao Cup third-round meeting with Newcastle United after Jenson Metcalfe’s red card from Saturday’s victory over Bolton Wanderers was overturned.

The midfielder had initially been shown a straight red card during a late confrontation in Millwall’s impressive 4-0 win over Bolton. However, following an appeal from the Championship club, the dismissal has now been rescinded, allowing Metcalfe to take part in Tuesday night’s cup clash at The Den.

Newcastle United are heading to Millwall(Image: Ben Peters/MB Media/Getty Images)

The match, which gets underway at 8pm, will be the first competitive meeting between Millwall and Newcastle since 1993, adding an extra element of interest to an already intriguing third-round tie.

Millwall confirmed the news in an official statement, expressing their satisfaction that the Football Association had accepted their appeal against Metcalfe’s dismissal.

The club said it was pleased to confirm that the red card issued to the midfielder during Saturday’s win had been cancelled after the appeal was lodged on the basis of wrongful dismissal.

Metcalfe’s sending-off came during a heated exchange late in the match against Bolton. The midfielder became involved in an incident with Josh Sheehan following a heavy challenge, with the pair subsequently separated before both players were shown red cards.

The decision immediately frustrated Millwall manager Alex Neil, who believed the officials had been far too severe in their punishment.

Neil described the decision as “ludicrous” and questioned why the incident had resulted in straight red cards for both players.

He argued that football is a physical and passionate sport and suggested that the confrontation was little more than a minor altercation rather than an incident worthy of such severe punishment.

Neil had initially believed the dismissal would leave him without Metcalfe for three matches, making the successful appeal particularly important ahead of the Newcastle fixture.

“I thought it was a ludicrous decision – to go straight to red cards. It’s a full-blooded sport, it’s a bit of handbags. It’s disappointing because now we lose Jenson for three games,” Neil said after the Bolton match.

The subsequent decision to overturn Metcalfe’s red card means the midfielder is now free to feature against Newcastle, giving Millwall an unexpected boost at a time when Neil is already dealing with a significant number of absentees.

Newcastle arrive at The Den with confidence after progressing through the earlier rounds of the Carabao Cup.

The Magpies eliminated London neighbours Queens Park Rangers in the opening round before narrowly overcoming Cambridge United in the second round.

With Newcastle now facing a Championship side fighting for promotion, Matthias Jaissle’s team will believe they have a strong opportunity to progress into the fourth round.

However, Millwall’s home advantage and the return of Metcalfe could make the contest considerably more difficult than Newcastle might have anticipated.

The Lions are currently dealing with a lengthy injury list, with as many as 12 players unavailable or facing fitness concerns.

Neil has already been forced to cope without several members of his squad, and further absences have added to his problems heading into the cup tie.

Millwall confirmed that Casper De Norre and Josh Coburn have now joined a growing group of players who are already sidelined.

Tristan Crama, Alfie Doughty, Mathis Servais, Ryan Leonard, Mihailo Ivanovic, Lukas Jensen and Luke Cundle are also among those currently unavailable.

The extensive injury list means Millwall are far from being at full strength for their meeting with Newcastle.

The club will also have to make a late decision regarding Kyrell Lisbie, who is expected to undergo an assessment before Neil finalises his matchday squad.

Lisbie’s fitness will therefore be monitored closely, with Millwall waiting to determine whether he can play any part in the cup encounter.

Despite the large number of absentees, the Lions are expected to have some familiar options available.

Yanis Issoufou and Romain Esse are both expected to feature again, while goalkeeper Filip Marschall could be handed his Millwall debut if Neil decides to select him.

The return of Metcalfe is nevertheless one of the biggest pieces of positive news for the Championship side.

His availability gives Neil another midfield option and removes the possibility of the three-match suspension that had initially been expected following his red card against Bolton.

Millwall will now attempt to build on their emphatic weekend victory and produce another strong performance when Newcastle arrive at The Den.

The 4-0 success against Bolton provided the Lions with plenty of confidence, but Newcastle represent a considerably different challenge.

The Magpies possess greater Premier League experience and will be determined to avoid an early Carabao Cup exit.

For Millwall, however, the cup provides an opportunity to test themselves against top-flight opposition while also giving their supporters another memorable night at The Den.

The reversal of Metcalfe’s dismissal could prove particularly valuable given the number of players already unavailable through injury.

Neil will still have to manage his squad carefully, but knowing that Metcalfe can be selected is a significant improvement to the situation he faced immediately after Saturday’s game.

With the two clubs meeting competitively for the first time in more than three decades, both teams will have plenty of motivation.

Newcastle will be expected to advance, but Millwall’s strong home performance against Bolton, combined with Metcalfe’s return, means they could provide the visitors with a difficult test.

The Lions will hope their recent momentum can continue and that the controversial red card saga ultimately becomes a positive turning point before what promises to be a fascinating Carabao Cup battle.