KIERAN TRIPPIER went viral on social media for his pained reaction live on TV.
The Newcastle defender, 33, was named among the substitutes for this afternoon’s trip to Bournemouth amid speculation of a transfer exit.
And his exasperation was clear to see on the Toon bench during the first half at the Vitality Stadium.
Newcastle trailed 1-0 thanks to Marcus Tavernier’s close-range finish.
And when the Sky Sports cameras cut to Trippier, he could not hide his frustration and disconsolation.
The former Tottenham and Atletico Madrid man was sat in his with his face buried in his hands in his training top and fluorescent bib.
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And that prompted a huge wave of hilarious tweets from Newcastle fans.
One said: “Kieran Trippier has had enough of watching this disastrous performance by Newcastle already.”
Another wrote: “Trippier with his head in his hands in disarray on the bench.”
A third added: “What’s Trippier playing at with his head in hands there? Awful to see.”
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A fourth quipped: “Me watching that first half.”
A fifth commented: “How about Trippier’s behaviour on the bench? So embarrassing. Clearly wants away.”
And a final user typed: “Looks like Trippier has just been told his Everton move is happening.”
Trippier reportedly wants to leave St James’ Park before Friday’s transfer window deadline day – after being replaced as captain and losing his spot in the starting XI.
Rock-bottom Everton are said to be interested in a swoop that would see him reunited with ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche.
Trippier, who is under contract until 2026, was the subject of a £12.8million bid from Bayern Munich in January but Newcastle rejected the offer.
And despite the speculation of an exit and his place on the bench, manager Eddie Howe insisted before the Bournemouth clash that Trippier remains part of his plans.
Howe said: “Kieran is just freshly back from the Euros, he’s had limited training, Tino [Livramento] started last week, the team did well defensively.
“As I said in my press conference, Kieran is a massive part of our future.”
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With Newcastle still struggling, Howe turned to Trippier in the 58th minute and he was on the field when Anthony Gordon levelled for the Magpies.
Bournemouth looked to have grabbed a late winner but Dango Ouattara’s goal was ruled out for a controversial handball.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
