Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier clash at half-time despite Newcastle scoring five times
Newcastle United were cruising to a remarkable Champions League play-off victory against Qarabag on Wednesday evening, but it wasn’t all smiles at St James’ Park despite the scoreline.
The Magpies stormed into a commanding 5-0 lead by half-time in their first-leg tie, with Anthony Gordon putting on an absolute masterclass.
The winger bagged an incredible four goals before the break, including a brace from the penalty spot.
Gordon got things rolling in just the third minute, before Malick Thiaw nodded home to make it two.
Anthony Gordon scored an incredible four goals in the first half against Qarabag
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From there, it was the Gordon show as he rattled in three more to complete a stunning first-half haul.
Yet despite the dominant display, tensions flared between Gordon and teammate Kieran Trippier as the whistle blew for the interval.
Cameras caught Trippier visibly furious with his teammate, pointing directly at Gordon as the players headed towards the tunnel.
It was quite the scene given Newcastle had just put five past their opponents without reply.
A disagreement between Anthony Gordon and Kieran Trippier that continued going in at the half-time break 😳@tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/Qdibtv23B5
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 18, 2026
Defender Dan Burn had to step in and physically separate the two players before things escalated further.
Meanwhile, Anthony Elanga wrapped his arms around Gordon in what looked like an attempt to calm the situation down.
The confrontation was broadcast live on TNT Sports, leaving viewers puzzled as to what could have sparked such anger during what should have been a celebratory moment.
After all, Gordon had just delivered one of the most impressive individual performances of the Champions League campaign so far.
Fans watching at home quickly developed their own theories about what sparked the row.
The issues seemed to stem from Anthony Gordon’s insistence on taking a second penalty despite already scoring a hat-trick
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Many on social media reckon Trippier was annoyed that Gordon didn’t hand over the second penalty to a teammate, with Nick Woltemade and Joe Willock mentioned as potential recipients.
One supporter on X wrote: “I get Trippier having a little go at Gordon for not letting someone else take the 2nd penalty while he’s already scored a hat-trick but f*** that.”
Another defended the winger, saying: “Never claimed to be Gordon’s biggest fan but it’s not his job to give pity goals to his teammates – he is our penalty taker, a good one at that, and there’s no way Trippier should be having a pop at him there.”
TNT Sports footage showed Trippier apparently speaking to Gordon just before he stepped up to take the second spot-kick, seemingly requesting he share duties with others.
