RabiuJacob Murphy Reveals Trippier’s Blunt Words to Gordon in Explosive Post-Match Interview
In the aftermath of Newcastle United’s stunning 6-1 Champions League play-off thrashing of Qarabag FK in Baku on Wednesday night, substitute hero Jacob Murphy lifted the lid on the heated half-time clash between captain Kieran Trippier and star man Anthony Gordon.
Speaking to Sky Sports immediately after the final whistle, Murphy – who came off the bench to score the sixth goal just four minutes after entering the fray – was asked about the tense scenes as the players headed down the tunnel with Newcastle already 5-0 up.
“I heard it all,” Murphy said with a wry smile. “Kieran pulled Anthony to one side and said, ‘You’re not taking another one, mate. We’re 5-0 up – pass it to someone else or I’ll drag you off myself.’ Anthony wasn’t having it. He told Kieran straight, ‘I’m on fire, let me finish them off.’ That’s when it got proper heated. Fingers were pointed, voices raised. The lads had to jump in quick.”
The flashpoint erupted in first-half stoppage time after Gordon had already bagged a hat-trick, including two penalties. When the England forward won and converted a second spot-kick to make it 5-0, Trippier – visibly furious – confronted him on the pitch and the row continued as the teams walked off.
Murphy, who replaced Anthony Elanga and produced a trademark cut-inside curler that deflected in off a defender, revealed the dressing-room atmosphere was surprisingly calm by the time the second half kicked off.
“Eddie [Howe] just said, ‘Sort it out, lads – we’re winning.’ By the time we came out, they were laughing about it. Gordon even hugged Trippier when he came off on 68 minutes. That’s football – passion, fire, but we’re a team.”
The incident overshadowed what was otherwise a record-breaking night for Gordon, who became the first Newcastle player to score four goals in a single Champions League game. His haul took his European tally to ten this season and put the Magpies on the brink of the last 16.
Murphy, whose goal restored a five-goal cushion after Qarabag pulled one back, insisted the squad’s togetherness remains rock-solid.
“We’re buzzing. Four goals from Ant, a goal for me, and we’re flying. That little spat? Forgotten already. We’ll be having a right laugh about it on the plane home.”
Newcastle now take a commanding 5-goal lead into next week’s second leg at St James’ Park, with the squad’s spirit seemingly unbreakable despite the on-pitch fireworks.
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