Roy Keane Criticism In Newcastle Sparks Howe Defence After Gordon Illness

Anthony Gordon has pushed back at criticism from leading pundits, saying suggestions he did not want to play were “absolute nonsense” after illness ruled him out of a Barcelona start — a row that involved roy keane and prompted a public defence from head coach Eddie Howe.

Roy Keane Among Pundits Who Questioned Gordon

Commentators including Roy Keane, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney questioned Gordon’s availability after he did not start the first leg of Newcastle’s Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona. Roy Keane questioned why Gordon was able to be introduced midway through the second half of the match yet had not started, while Alan Shearer said it would take “something extraordinary” to keep him out of such a game. Wayne Rooney raised questions about pre-match interactions, asking why Gordon had not shaken hands beforehand yet later sat with team-mates in the dressing room.

Howe Says Decision Followed Medical Advice

Head coach Eddie Howe explained that benching Gordon for the Barcelona match was his decision after consulting the club’s medical team. Howe stated the forward was “absolutely willing to play” but had been ill and had not attended a walkthrough on the morning of the fixture, and that this informed the call not to start him. The manager also said Gordon faces “a lot of scrutiny” given his status as an England international and his profile as a top player.

Gordon’s Account, Role In Stamford Bridge Win, And Next Steps

Gordon said he had been in bed ill for three days and was unable even to take part in the morning walkthrough before the Barcelona game. He came on as a substitute in the second half of the 1-1 draw, then returned to training and started against Chelsea, firing Newcastle to a 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. Gordon told Match of the Day that he did not usually clear things up but felt this instance “does need clearing up because it was just nonsense, ” and added that the claim he did not want to play in the Barcelona match was “absolute nonsense. ” He reiterated that it was the manager’s decision not to start him.

Howe confirmed that medical staff were involved in the decision-making process and that Gordon had since resumed training, making him a contender to lead the line in future fixtures. The forward is Newcastle’s top scorer this season with 15 goals, a statistic Howe referenced in noting the added scrutiny that comes with playing for England and occupying a high-profile role at club level.

With the immediate facts established — Gordon’s illness, the manager’s choice after medical consultation, the subsequent substitute appearance in Barcelona and the match-winning performance at Stamford Bridge — the focus now is on whether the episode shifts public scrutiny or settles questions about player welfare and selection in high-stakes fixtures. Gordon’s return to training and decisive goal suggest the club believes he remains central to their plans for the run-in.