Newcastle: Anthony Gordon defended by Eddie Howe after Alan Shearer criticises substitute role in Barcelona Champions League tie

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe says it was his call to not start Anthony Gordon against Barcelona due to illness, after the winger received criticism from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle legend Shearer questioned why key forward Gordon only played a sub role in the Champions League last-16 first leg, which Howe had billed as the "biggest" in the club's history.

Newcastle ended up drawing the game 1-1, with Gordon coming on after 67 minutes.