A heated debate has erupted following comments from Alan Shearer about Anthony Gordon missing the starting lineup in Newcastle United’s crucial Champions League clash with FC Barcelona.
The former Newcastle legend has now responded after Gordon hit back at criticism surrounding his illness, calling some of the commentary “complete and utter stupidity.”
The situation has quickly become one of the most talked-about stories surrounding Newcastle in recent days.
Gordon Responds After Chelsea Winner
The controversy intensified after Gordon scored the decisive goal in Newcastle’s 1–0 victory against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Following the match, the winger addressed the criticism he faced for not starting Newcastle’s 1–1 draw with Barcelona earlier in the week.
Gordon insisted suggestions he avoided playing in the biggest game of his career were completely false.
The England international explained that he had been seriously unwell in the days leading up to the match.
“I was in bed for three days, missed training, and turned up on the day of the game ready to start,” Gordon said.
“Saying I didn’t want to play in the biggest game of my career is absolute nonsense.”
According to Gordon, he believed he would start the game before learning of the decision from manager Eddie Howe shortly before kick-off.
Shearer Stands By His Comments
Despite Gordon’s response, Shearer has refused to back down from his original opinion.
Speaking on the podcast The Rest is Football, the Newcastle legend admitted he actually enjoyed the forward’s fiery reaction but maintained that his comments were fair.
“I love it,” Shearer said.
“Players always have the right to reply. But I wouldn’t change anything I said.”
Shearer had originally questioned how a player could be fit enough to appear in the match if illness was serious enough to prevent them from starting.
During the Champions League tie at St James’ Park, Gordon eventually came off the bench as Newcastle earned a 1–1 draw to keep the quarter-final race alive ahead of the return leg in Spain.
Eddie Howe Clarifies the Situation
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe later stepped in to clarify the situation, stressing that the decision was not Gordon’s choice.
The manager revealed that medical staff had advised against starting the winger due to illness earlier in the day.
“He was prepared to play, but in consultation with the medical team we didn’t think he was fit,” Howe explained.
This confirmation suggested Gordon had been willing to feature from the start but was prevented from doing so by the club’s medical assessment.
Newcastle Focus Turns to Barcelona Second Leg
While the debate between player and pundit has captured headlines, Newcastle’s focus will quickly return to the pitch.
The 1–1 draw against Barcelona means the second leg in Spain will decide who advances to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
If Gordon’s match-winning performance against Chelsea is anything to go by, he could play a crucial role in Newcastle’s hopes of pulling off a famous result against the Spanish giants.
For now, though, the exchange between Gordon and Shearer has added another layer of drama to what is already a defining period in Newcastle’s season.