"He was absolutely absolutely willing to play in the game against Barcelona. I know there's a lot of comments. It was my decision not to start him based on the fact he had been ill that morning and had not attended the training session. He was prepared to play but, in consultation with the medical team, we didn't think he was fit to play."
"My perception is he does face a lot of scrutiny, but I think that comes with being a top player. I don't think you can escape that in this day and age, so, maybe part of that is his history and how he's ended up at this club and the clubs that he's played for previously."
Anthony Gordon faced criticism from prominent figures including Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, and Roy Keane for not starting Newcastle's Champions League last-16 match against Barcelona. However, head coach Eddie Howe clarified that Gordon was unwell on match day and did not attend the training session walkthrough. Although Gordon was willing to play, Howe and the medical team determined he was unfit to start. Gordon came on as a substitute in the second half of the 1-1 draw. He has since returned to training and is available for Newcastle's upcoming match against Chelsea. Howe acknowledged the significant scrutiny Gordon faces as an England international but believes this pressure is inherent to being a top player.
Read at www.bbc.com
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