Premier League Star Slams Wayne Rooney's "Stupidity" in Explosive Public Confrontation
Newcastle United striker Anthony Gordon dismissed criticism regarding his absence from the midweek Champions League match against Barcelona as "complete rubbish" and "total foolishness," particularly targeting Wayne Rooney for spreading what he claims was a false story about refusing to greet people.
To the astonishment of many observers, Gordon was merely included on the bench for Newcastle's round of 16 first leg at home versus Barcelona on Tuesday evening. It was revealed that the club's top goalscorer had been battling sickness leading up to the match, though this explanation failed to satisfy former Manchester United enforcer Roy Keane and Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, who both questioned why he was healthy enough to enter the game during the final 25 minutes of the 1–1 stalemate.
"When you're sick, you're sick. You shouldn't be present," Rooney, drawing on his vast medical knowledge, stated on The Overlap. "He passed by us before kickoff and refused to shake hands. He claimed he didn't want us catching anything, yet then he's entering the locker room with his fellow players."
Gordon flatly rejected that version of events.
Encouraged by netting the sole goal in Newcastle's uncommon victory away at Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, Gordon clarified matters on BBC's Match of the Day: "I believe Rooney claimed I walked by without shaking hands and entered the dressing room. I did not.
"I changed alone in a room this size. Just myself and a washbasin. Total rubbish. I believe they should improve their performance in what they're doing."
Gordon Explains Precisely Why He Missed the Barcelona Match
Gordon Explains Precisely Why He Missed the Barcelona Match
"The press officer informed me that what was being reported was complete and total foolishness," Gordon fumed in the depths of Stamford Bridge.
"I was bedridden for three days, missed practice sessions, extremely ill for three days. Then I arrived on match day, prepared to begin the game—I believed I was starting. Upon reaching the venue, the manager informed me I wouldn't be playing, which, as you can understand, I wasn't pleased about, but that's his choice. And the squad performed excellently.
"But claiming I didn't want to participate in the most important match of my career is complete rubbish."
Eddie Howe Reinforces His Position on Gordon
Eddie Howe Reinforces His Position on Gordon
In his post-game analysis following the determined stalemate against Barcelona, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe emphasized that benching Gordon was his choice, with the player being "completely ready to participate."
Howe praised Gordon's "determination" during the week, a quality he highlighted again on Saturday.
"He's extremely determined and concentrated on his responsibilities that much of the criticism simply rolls off him, which is an excellent ability to possess," Howe praised. "I'd urge every player to adopt this approach. Avoid distractions, don't absorb negativity, don't let anything penetrate—simply concentrate on your duties.
"That's his constant approach. He's been in an excellent mindset recently. I've been very pleased with his contributions. This was a crucial match and he truly delivered. He found the net but contributed in numerous ways to the victory."