At a Glance
- Newcastle star Gordon hit back at pundits
- The Englishman started on the bench vs Barcelona
- Rooney and Shearer questioned his dedication
Newcastle United forward Anthony Gordon has broken his silence amid criticism from Wayne Rooney and Alan Shearer over his commitment. The pair called out the Englishman for not starting his side’s 1-1 draw against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg last week.
Gordon could only make the bench, and several pundits, including Rooney and Shearer, questioned his mentality. He came on in the second half at St James’ Park despite dealing with illness.
The 25-year-old started yesterday’s encounter with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and played a crucial role in a history-making 1-0 win. He bagged the winner to take his tally for the season to five goals and two assists in 24 league games.
Newcastle’s Gordon calls out ‘nonsense’
Gordon reacted to criticism from the likes of Rooney and Shearer about his dedication. He defended himself against those accusing him of not wanting to play against Barcelona in “the biggest game of my career.”
The England international told BBC Match of the Day:
“Usually I don’t like to clear stuff up because I don’t care too much. But this one does need clearing up because it was just nonsense.”
He continued:
“When I got to the stadium the manager told me I wasn’t playing, which I didn’t like very much, but that’s his decision and the team played well. Saying I didn’t want to play in the biggest game of my career is absolute nonsense.“
Gordon was particularly bemused by a comment made by former Manchester United striker Rooney:
“I think Rooney said I went past and didn’t shake their hands and went into the changing room. I didn’t. I got changed by myself in a changing room the size of this. It was just me and a sink. Complete nonsense. I think they need to do better at what they are doing.”
A sickness bug hasn’t only struck Gordon. Sandro Tonali missed the win over Chelsea due to illness, and Nick Woltemade has just returned after enduring the same issue.
What Rooney, Shearer and others said
Gordon was in the line of fire after the Barca game and was put on blast by three Premier League legends. Rooney suggested that he avoided contact with the Amazon Prime Sport punditry team.
Rooney said Gordon “wouldn’t shake our hands” but was willing to “sit in a dressing room with his team-mates”. The Manchester United legend continued to hint at his issues while making an appearance on The Overlap.
Shearer was on commentary for the game, and he suggested he would have played even if ill. He said it would need “something extraordinary to keep myself out of this game”.
Rooney’s former teammate Roy Keane asked: “How can you be ill, but come on for half an hour?” The Irishman has received a response from Gordon, who pulled no punches with his explanation.
Gordon received Howe’s support ahead of the Chelsea game, and his Newcastle manager insisted the player was “absolutely willing to play.” He alluded to his illness and said that after consulting the medical team, “he didn’t think he was fit to play.”
