Micah Richards has told Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon that he can put his anger "behind him" after he reacted badly to being substituted by Eddie Howe during the 2-1 win against Brentford.
The Magpies had to fight back from a goal down at the Gtech Community Stadium after Ivan Toney put the Bees ahead from the penalty spot on the second time of asking. Howe decided his side needed a tactical rethink as he introduced Gordon and Callum Wilson at half-time.
The changes worked perfectly as Newcastle found themselves 2-1 up just after the hour mark through a David Raya own goal and a well-taken finish from the in-form Alexander Isak. Despite only coming on at half-time, Howe would then take Gordon off for Matt Ritchie in the dying moments.
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As the former Everton man headed for the bench he was visibly frustrated at the decision and refused to acknowledge his manager's hand before trudging up to take his seat in the dugout. Howe has since calmed down any talk of a bust-up and former Man City defender Richards has now told Gordon that he can move past the incident.
"I saw a video on social media of Anthony Gordon reacting badly to being substituted during Newcastle’s win at Brentford," Richards penned in the Mail Online. "It wasn’t a good look, by any means. What he did took me back to my early days when Stuart Pearce once substituted me during a game at Reading.
"I flung my shirt on the floor in temper. Stuart saw it and said: ‘Don’t ever do that again. I’m the manager. I make the decisions for this team — not you.’ The penny dropped and we got over it, quickly.
"I like Gordon and think he has potential. He can put this behind him."
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