Newcastle United took another step towards promotion out of the Championship, but only after a bizarre game at St James’ Park.
Matt Ritchie scores the first goal for Newcastle United
Newcastle United fans have been reacting on Twitter to their eventful win over Burton Albion at St James’ Park, and while the referee’s display was a major talking point, the performance of Matt Ritchie gave Magpies fans something to cheer.
Rafa Benitez’s men maintained their 10 point cushion over the chasing pack in the division as they picked up a 1-0 win over the Brewers, but the goal that was allowed to stand only tells half the story.
Newcastle were given the chance to open the scoring in the first-half when they were awarded a penalty. Despite Ritchie scoring from the spot, the referee then proceeded to cause mass confusion by disallowing the goal and giving the away side a free kick in the penalty area for a reason that no one seemed to be able to understand.
However, Ritchie made sure the decision did not cost the Magpies as he found the back of the net once again. But unlike his penalty, there was nothing wrong in the referee’s eyes with his stunning long-range strike that ultimately proved to be the difference between the two teams.
Referee Keith Stroud rules out Matt Ritchie of Newcastle United’s penalty
Unsurprisingly, given that that was the winger’s 11th league goal of the season, the Newcastle fans have been heaping praise upon the former Bournemouth man and suggesting that he is one of the main men to thank if they do manage to get themselves across the line and secure promotion.
Here is the best of the reaction…
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