Controversial talkSPORT pundit Jamie O’Hara has ignited fresh debate after urging Newcastle United supporters to turn their frustration towards manager Eddie Howe rather than winger Anthony Gordon.

Boos rang out around St James’ Park at full-time on Saturday as Newcastle slumped to a 3-2 defeat against Everton F.C. — their third consecutive Premier League loss.

The result leaves the Magpies 13th in the table, with hopes of European qualification fading amid a daunting run of fixtures.

O’Hara’s ‘bizarre’ suggestion

Speaking on talkSPORT, O’Hara reacted to reports that sections of the home crowd had booed Anthony Gordon at the final whistle.

The former Tottenham Hotspur F.C. midfielder said Newcastle fans were targeting the wrong man — and suggested they should direct their anger at Howe instead.

“You’re booing Anthony Gordon, maybe you should be booing Eddie Howe as well,” O’Hara said.

“That’s the problem, you’re all Eddie Howe lovers because he’s done a good job there but come on, the way he’s setting the team up, you’re a shambles.

“You’re scapegoating Anthony Gordon, who scored four goals in one game the other day in the Champions League. But then Eddie Howe sets you up with Joelinton on the left. Come on, there has to be some reality here of what’s going on.

“Newcastle are a good side with good players. It ain’t just Anthony Gordon. There’s something else going on here and maybe it’s the manager.”

The remarks quickly drew strong reactions from supporters online, many defending Howe’s record at the club.

Howe backs Gordon

Howe himself appeared unaware of any negative reaction towards Gordon when speaking post-match.

“I genuinely wasn’t aware of that,” the Newcastle boss said. “I think in every moment like that if that was the case, we’ve got to try to stick together.

“Anthony has been brilliant for us in the recent weeks, so I’d certainly back him and support him.”

Gordon has been one of Newcastle’s standout performers this season, contributing crucial goals and attacking impetus. However, the team’s recent downturn in form has increased scrutiny on both players and management.

“Difficult to give an explanation”

Asked to explain how his side twice fought back only to concede again against Everton, Howe admitted he was searching for answers.

“It’s really difficult to give an explanation for that,” he said.

“We’ve worked so hard to get back into the game twice. Everton are a tough team to score against. Having to chase the game, you spend a lot of energy doing that and we hurt ourselves.

“I think there were some uncharacteristic errors on both goals. I think the second goal in particular probably affects us mentally as well because I don’t think we played particularly well after that.

“There was a real spell at the beginning of the second half when we scored, where we were the dominant team and playing well.”

Growing pressure?

Newcastle’s slide has inevitably raised questions about momentum and mentality. After recent seasons of rapid progress under Howe — including Champions League qualification — expectations have risen significantly on Tyneside.

While the club remain clear of relegation danger, sitting mid-table represents a stark contrast to the ambitions of supporters who have grown accustomed to upward trajectory.

O’Hara’s call for fans to boo Howe may be viewed by many as inflammatory, particularly given the manager’s transformative impact since arriving at St James’ Park. Yet it underscores the mounting frustration as results continue to falter.

With a challenging run of fixtures ahead, Howe’s immediate task will be steadying both performances and atmosphere — ensuring unity rather than division becomes the defining feature of Newcastle’s run-in.