Eddie Howe stops Press conference to make Anthony Gordon statement after Alan Shearer blast
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe abruptly halted an upcoming press conference on March 13 in front of fans and media members, including Sky Sports reporters at St James' Park. The immediate action was taken after club legends Alan Shearer, Roy Keane, Wayne Rooney, and pundits criticized the decision to bench Anthony Gordon due to illness during Barcelona's Champions League clash earlier that day; Howe stated it remains his choice not to start him despite public outcry over a 67th-minute substitution for an unwell player.
Key Points
-
1Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe defended Anthony Gordon's decision not to start against Barcelona following criticism from pundits including Alan Shearer, Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney.
-
2Gordon was introduced as a substitute in the Champions League match because he had been unwell at training prior to kick-off.
-
3Howe stated that it remained his final authority on squad selection despite public pressure regarding Gordon's omission.
Developments
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe defended Anthony Gordon against criticism from pundits like Alan Shearer, Roy Keane, and Wayne Rooney regarding his absence due to illness. Although the forward was fit enough for a late appearance as he came on in the 67th minute after failing training that morning because of sickness earlier Tuesday.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe defended his decision not to start Anthony Gordon against Barcelona due to the winger being ill and unfit for training after receiving criticism from club legend Alan Shearer regarding her substitute role in what was billed as Newcastle's biggest Champions League match. Although she scored a goal coming on at halftime, he stated that medical consultation confirmed him unable to play despite his willingness to do so earlier in the day.