Manchester United icon and fiery pundit Roy Keane has unleashed a scathing critique of Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, following the player's controversial trip to Merseyside.
The incident occurred just days after Gordon was a surprise omission from Gareth Southgate's final 26-man England squad for the European Championship, a decision that left many fans and pundits baffled.
Rather than report for international duty, the 23-year-old was photographed in Liverpool, a sight that has ignited a firestorm of criticism led by the never-outspoken Keane.
Keane's Explosive On-Air Rant
Speaking on ITV's coverage of the Poland vs Netherlands friendly, Keane did not mince his words. "If you've just been left out of the squad, the last place you want to be is out and about in Liverpool. I'd be staying in, hiding away," he fumed.
Keane's criticism cut deep, framing Gordon's actions as a severe lack of professionalism. "It's called respect. Respect for your teammates, for the manager. I think it's really disrespectful... I'd be fuming if I was one of the senior players. Get yourself indoors, out of the spotlight."
The Context of the Controversy
Gordon is coming off the back of a stellar individual season at St. James' Park, widely considered his best at the top level. His impressive form made his exclusion from the Euros squad one of the major talking points of Southgate's selection.
The timing and location of his appearance have been deemed a monumental PR misstep. Being seen enjoying himself in the city of Liverpool—home to Everton, his former club, and arch-rivals Liverpool—immediately after an international snub has been perceived as a show of poor judgement.
A Pattern of Questionable Judgement?
This is not the first time Gordon's actions off the pitch have drawn attention. The Mirror's article hints at a previous incident where he was reportedly spoken to by police while driving a rental car, suggesting a potential pattern of immature behaviour in the eyes of his critics.
For a player of his undeniable talent, these off-field distractions threaten to overshadow his on-pitch progress and could potentially harm his chances of future international call-ups.
As the football world debates Southgate's decision, Gordon finds himself at the centre of a new storm, this one entirely of his own making, and with one of the game's most formidable characters leading the charge against him.
