‘Complete nonsense’ – Gordon hits back at critics after scoring winner at Chelsea

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·15 March 2026

‘Complete nonsense’ – Gordon hits back at critics after scoring winner at Chelsea

Anthony Gordon has slammed “nonsense” rumours about his benching against Barcelona after scoring the winning goal against Chelsea on Saturday.

The winger tapped in from close range in the 18th minute to secure the Magpies’ first win at Stamford Bridge since 2020.

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Gordon started the game after being dropped to the bench for Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League due to illness. He replaced William Osula in the 67th minute.

The 25-year-old was on the receiving end of criticism from Alan Shearer and Roy Keane, who suggested he didn’t want to play against Barça. Wayne Rooney, who was on punditry duty pitchside, asked why Gordon “wouldn’t shake our hands” beforehand only to then “sit in a dressing room with his team-mates”.

Gordon hits back at critics after scoring winner at Chelsea

“Usually I don’t like to clear stuff up because I don’t care too much but this one does need clearing up because it was just nonsense,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“I didn’t see but the stuff that the media guy told me was complete and utter stupidity. I was in bed for three days, missed training. I turned up on the day of the game, ready to start, I thought I was going to start.

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“When I got to the stadium the manager told me I wasn’t playing which I didn’t like very much but that’s his decision and the team played well.

“Saying I didn’t want to play in the biggest game of my career is absolute nonsense. I think [Wayne] Rooney said I went past and didn’t shake their hands and went into the changing room. I didn’t. I got changed by myself in a changing room the size of this. It was just me and a sink.

“Complete nonsense. I think they need to do better at what they are doing.”

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