Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe attends a press conference at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on February 17, 2026, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg football match between Qarabag and Newcastle. (Photo by Giorgi ARJEVANIDZE / AFP via Getty Images)placeholder image
Newcastle United's English head coach Eddie Howe attends a press conference at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku on February 17, 2026, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg football match between Qarabag and Newcastle. (Photo by Giorgi ARJEVANIDZE / AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
Eddie Howe was asked about the spat between Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon.
Eddie Howe has defended Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon following “penaltygate” against Qarabag.
With the scoreline at 4-0 and Gordon already bagging a first-half hat-trick, he fired home a second spot-kick to give Newcastle United a commanding five-goal lead. TV cameras picked up Trippier expressing his fury as he wanted Nick Woltemade - short of confidence - to be given the honour.
Ultimately, Gordon dispatched comfortably from 12 yards, with the Magpies coasting to a 6-1 triumph. The reverse leg at St James’ Park looks set to be a non-event as Newcastle have one foot in the last 16.
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Eddie Howe responds to Newcastle United drama
When asked about the incident, Howe told reporters: “I’m not quite 100 per cent sure what happened in that moment. The TV cameras may know more than I do at this moment in time. I need to fully understand what happened.
“I think Anthony naturally wanted to take the second penalty and I understand why there’s a debate over it. Sometimes that’s not clear when there’s two in one game. He took both penalties superbly, I’m clear of that, and I think Kieran is only ever trying to help the team. It’s a positive situation rather than negative.”
Kieran Trippier and Anthony Gordon make up
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Trippier - alongside Gordon - explained the situation. He said: “Obviously, Gordy scored a hat-trick, and I wanted Nick to take a penalty. Also, he (Gordon) is our penalty taker so… he wants to score goals.
“Ultimately, he’s our penalty taker and, listen, in football, emotions are high on the pitch at times. It is what it is. He scored four goals and was unbelievable today so we move on.”
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Anthony Gordon response
Gordon insisted he understood the logic but, as a forward and designated penalty taker, he wanted to add to his goal tally. The makeshift No.9 replied: “Listen, I understand everyone’s opinion because I want everyone to succeed.
“We’re a team and we’re in it together. But I’m an attacker and the penalty taker, I want to score as many goals as I possibly can. But I understand everyone’s opinion and emotions do get high. He (Trippier) is one of my closest teammates, he has been since I joined the club. He’s done so much for me so yeah, he’s alright.”
“Records are nice but I just want to score and win games. Ultimately, we won the game convincingly. I’d say that was our best performance this year, so that’s more important than the goals.”
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