Newcastle United’s FA Cup campaign came to a frustrating end on Sunday, with their 4-2 defeat against Brighton overshadowed by Anthony Gordon’s controversial red card. Since then, the winger has remained silent, leaving fans eager to hear his perspective on what transpired.
Supporters are undoubtedly curious about Gordon’s thoughts on the incident—what was going through his mind at the time, what he was actually attempting to do, and how he feels now, knowing that his actions have not only contributed to Newcastle’s FA Cup exit but will also see him miss the upcoming Carabao Cup final.
Bruno Guimarães Attempts to Shoulder the Blame
Midfielder Bruno Guimarães took to social media yesterday in an effort to deflect some of the criticism away from Gordon. While the Brazilian didn’t explicitly name his teammate, his post suggested that he was willing to take responsibility for the team’s failure. However, there’s little doubt that much of the scrutiny has been directed at Gordon, whose dismissal drastically altered the course of the match.
Aside from Eddie Howe’s post-match comments, there has been minimal reaction from Newcastle’s camp regarding the incident—until now.
Dan Burn Defends Gordon: “He’s Not That Type of Player”
Defender Dan Burn recently spoke with The Northern Echo about Gordon’s sending-off, though he admitted he had not yet seen a replay of the challenge or spoken to Gordon at the time of the interview.
“I haven’t spoken to Anthony yet. I haven’t even watched it back, to be honest. But when I first saw it, I was surprised the red card came out. He’s going to be disappointed, isn’t he? I really don’t think there was any sort of intent there, he’s not that type of player. It’s just a real shame for him.”
Burn’s stance mirrors that of Eddie Howe, who also insisted that there was no malice in Gordon’s challenge. Many Newcastle supporters would likely agree—Gordon is known for his aggression and competitive nature, but he has never been one to deliberately harm an opponent.
Gordon’s Competitive Fire Can Lead to Flashpoints
It’s easy to understand why frustration got the better of Gordon on Sunday. There was a time, particularly during his Everton days and early Newcastle tenure, when he developed a reputation for having a fiery temper. Who could forget his heated exchange with Eddie Howe after being substituted last season?
However, since arriving at St. James’ Park, Gordon has matured significantly. Off the pitch, he has shown himself to be a driven but kind-hearted individual. His passion for the game is undeniable, and at times, that competitiveness spills over in ways he likely regrets.
Gordon’s recent performances have been below his usual high standards, and his struggles against Brighton were evident. That frustration, combined with the pressure of the occasion, may have led to the momentary lapse in judgment that resulted in his dismissal.
Club legend Alan Shearer summed it up best—no one will be hurting more than Anthony Gordon himself. As disappointing as this moment is for both the player and the fans, he now has time to reflect, reset, and return stronger.
Dan Burn makes his stance known about Anthony Gordon’s red card on Sunday as Newcastle United tumbled out of FA Cup
