At a glance
- No players for media duties
- Comments from players and family members
- Next direction for the Magpies
Newcastle United endured a 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at St James Park on Sunday, the second time the Black Cats have beaten them this season.
Following the game, no players from Eddie Howe’s team were put forward to the media, prompting significant online criticism from Magpie supporters and fans of other clubs.
According to NewcastleWorld, the Tyneside reporters were directed to the club’s interview with Anthony Gordon on their website. Gordon scored the Black and Whites’ only goal in a positive first-half display.
The second half wasn’t anything like the first half, as Alan Shearer took to social media, where he called the St James’ Park outfit ‘pathetic’.
Bad Performance, Bad Showing
After their 7-2 defeat to Barcelona, which knocked them out of the Champions League, Howe’s men were looking to bounce back immediately in the Tyne-Wear derby.
The first half was impressive from the Magpies, as they took a lead and put on a convincing show. The second half was extremely poor, as goals from Chemsdine Talbi and Brian Brobbey secured the win for the Black Cats.
Following the final whistle, iconic striker Shearer was far from pleased with his former club’s commitment in the derby. He wrote on X:
“A pathetic, weak, lazy, limp second half from Newcastle again.”
This was the 11th time Newcastle have failed to win against their fierce rivals in the league, the longest run without a victory in Tyne-Wear derby history.
The club’s decision not to send a player to the media following the game has left many supporters with an even worse taste. Many saw this as the players and staff not taking responsibility for the defeat, and in an interview on the club’s website, Gordon suggested Sunderland are ‘not a very good team’.
Following the game, Jason Tindall’s daughter took to social media, claiming, ‘It’s not acceptable to turn on the players.’ These reactions speak volumes about the insecurities within the squad.
What’s next for Newcastle?
The international break is now upon us, giving the Tynesiders a two-week break while those travelling with their countries are away. But a large section of the club’s fanbase are unhappy with it’s direction during this season of turmoil.
Some believe it may be best to relieve Howe of his duties and begin considering potential replacements. Others are aiming their grievances at several players’ performances.
The weekend result puts the Tyneside outfit in a precarious position. It seems very unlikely that they will qualify for Europe next year, as their inconsistency is costing them.
In recent weeks, a handful of Howe’s squad have been linked away from St James’ Park ahead of the summer, such as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
It looks like some of the club’s biggest decisions in recent history are heading towards the summer, as something looks set to give, but whatever happens, it will have consequences for the club over the next few years, whether good or bad.
