Gabby Agbonlahor has accused Newcastle United defender Kieran Trippier of playing to the cameras with his 'silly' decision to travel with his team-mates for the victory at Brentford. The England international was pictured on crutches leaving the team bus in the capital on Saturday, and again in the dressing room celebration following the 2-0 win.
Trippier made an immediate impact on Tyneside after signing from Atletico Madrid in January, scoring free-kicks in successive home victories over Everton and Aston Villa. The 31-year-old was also handed the captaincy in the absence of Jamaal Lascelles for his last appearance against Steven Gerrard's side.
A foot injury which required surgery is expected to rule Trippier out for the majority of the remaining fixtures, although Eddie Howe is confident the right-back will play again this season. However, that has not stopped the former Tottenham full-back from continuing to support his team-mates despite requiring a moon boot on his left foot.
It is a gesture which has been applauded by Howe and Newcastle supporters alike, with many praising Trippier for stepping up to a leadership role both on and off the pitch. However, the decision to travel with the squad to Brentford during his recovery is one Agbonlahor has questioned.
He told Football Insider: “I don’t understand that, to be honest, I think that’s strange. People will see that as amazing because he’s supporting the team but I see it as silly.
“You’ve got an injury, you’re on crutches, you should be at home with your feet up to rest the injury not struggling around on such a long trip to Brentford.
“I don’t see the point in that. If it’s an injury where you are not on crutches and are fine to walk that’s different.
“You’re on crutches, are you doing that for the cameras? Stay home, rest, with your foot up. It doesn’t make sense at all.”
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