Howe criticises rule allowing £65m signing Semenyo to face Newcastle in Carabao Cup

Goal reports Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has taken aim at a rule change that allows Manchester City’s £65m signing Antoine Semenyo to play against the Magpies in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg at St James' Park. Under the new Rule 6.4, a registered player may represent up to two clubs in the competition provided the appearances occur in different rounds, meaning Semenyo — who featured for Bournemouth in their second-round defeat to Brentford back in August — is eligible for City after completing his move earlier this month.

Howe said he only learned of the eligibility quirk after City had signed the forward and added: “I have to say that’s one rule change I probably wouldn’t be supportive of at this current moment,” and “It was nice to find out that rule had changed after finding out they’d signed him!” He also acknowledged Semenyo’s form, noting: "Antoine’s had an incredible season...

I think Manchester City have signed a very, very good player." Howe’s concern is amplified by a mounting defensive injury crisis: full-back Tino Livramento has a damaged hamstring and is ruled out of the semi-final, centre-back Fabian Schar is sidelined with an ankle injury, and Dan Burn, Emil Krafth and Jamaal Lascelles are also unavailable — an absence of five senior defenders that leaves Newcastle with a selection headache.

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Sports, Eddie Howe, Antoine Semenyo, Manchester City, Newcastle, Carabao Cup