Anthony Gordon was left seething after the controversial decision to send him off in Newcastle’s thrilling victory over West Ham, categorizing the call as “ridiculous”. The midfielder played a pivotal role in the Magpies’ dramatic 4-3 win, winning two crucial penalties and assisting the late match-winning goal. However, his elation turned to frustration when referee Rob Jones brandished a second yellow card for what Gordon deemed a minor offense of kicking the ball away.
Expressing his disbelief at the decision, Gordon criticized the rules rather than the referee himself, questioning the severity of the punishment for what he perceived as a trivial act. He expressed incredulity, stating, “To get sent off for tapping a ball five yards…it’s incredible really.” With Gordon set to miss the upcoming clash with his former club Everton, manager Eddie Howe lamented the loss, labeling it as a “huge blow” for the team.
Despite the setback, Howe showered praise on matchwinner Barnes for his vital contributions, emphasizing his invaluable presence on the pitch. The manager acknowledged the challenges posed by injuries to key players such as Lascelles, Livramento, and Almiron, underscoring the team’s resilience in overcoming adversity. Despite the setbacks, Howe remained optimistic about Newcastle’s prospects moving forward, commending the squad’s spirit and determination in securing a crucial three points.
