Newcastle United winger has sparked speculation about his future at the club after removing all references to Newcastle from his social media profiles. The move comes in the wake of Newcastle’s 0-2 defeat to West Ham, during which Gordon’s performance was heavily criticized by fans online.
His Social Media Scrub: A Statement or Frustration?
The 22-year-old, who joined Newcastle from Everton in January 2023 for a reported fee of £45 million, faced intense trolling from sections of the fanbase after the match. Many fans took to social media to single out Gordon for what they perceived as a lackluster performance, accusing him of being wasteful in possession and ineffective in the final third.
Hours after the defeat, eagle-eyed fans noticed that Gordon had deleted or archived posts related to Newcastle from his Instagram and Twitter profiles. His bio no longer references Newcastle United, and any recent posts featuring the club have been removed.
This drastic step has fueled speculation about the winger’s mental state and relationship with the club and its supporters.
Fan Backlash: What Triggered It?
Gordon’s performance against West Ham came under scrutiny, with many fans blaming him for missing key opportunities and failing to track back effectively. The young winger, known for his energy and attacking flair, struggled to make an impact in a game where Newcastle needed creativity and composure in the final third.
Social media, often a brutal space for players, was flooded with criticism of Gordon, with some fans crossing the line into personal attacks.
One fan wrote on Twitter: “Anthony Gordon is a waste of £45 million. How is he still starting games for us?” Another added: “We’re playing Champions League football, and this is the level we’re relying on? Embarrassing.”
However, other fans have come to Gordon’s defense, calling out the toxic behavior. One supporter tweeted: “Trolling a young player after one bad game is disgraceful. Give Gordon the time and support he needs to succeed.”
A Troubled Start at Newcastle?
Anthony Gordon’s time at Newcastle has been a mixed bag. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, his performances have often been inconsistent, leading to frustration among fans who expected more from a player with his price tag.
The scrutiny on Gordon is amplified by Newcastle’s ambitious project and the high standards set by the club’s recent success. Every poor performance feels magnified, especially in high-stakes matches.
Player and Club Dynamics
For Gordon, this episode raises questions about how he’s handling the pressure of playing for a club with passionate and demanding supporters. It also puts a spotlight on Newcastle’s role in supporting young players like him through challenging times.
The club has not yet commented on the incident, but manager Eddie Howe has previously emphasized the importance of protecting players from social media abuse. Howe may now need to step in to ensure Gordon feels valued and supported amid the backlash.
What Does This Mean for Gordon’s Future?
While deleting club references on social media is not an uncommon move among players dealing with online abuse, it has inevitably led to speculation about Gordon’s future at Newcastle. Some fans see it as a sign of frustration or even a potential desire to leave the club, though no official reports suggest this is the case.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining how this situation unfolds. If Gordon responds with strong performances on the pitch, this episode may be quickly forgotten. However, if the backlash continues and his confidence suffers, it could become a more significant issue for both player and club.
The Bigger Picture: Tackling Fan Trolling
This incident also highlights the growing problem of online abuse directed at footballers. Social media has become both a platform for fans to connect with players and a space for vitriol and personal attacks. Clubs, governing bodies, and platforms must work together to create a safer environment for athletes.
What’s Next for Gordon?
Anthony Gordon will need to show resilience to bounce back from this challenging period. The winger has the talent to succeed, but he must focus on improving his consistency and silencing critics through his performances.
For Newcastle, this is a reminder of the importance of fostering a supportive environment, both within the club and among its fanbase. With Gordon’s potential and age on his side, the club must ensure this talented player is given every chance to flourish in the black-and-white stripes.
