Interesting to read these comments from BBC Sport after Newcastle United won 7-6 on penalties against Bournemouth, with the match ending 2-2 in regular time and 3-3 after extra time.
The comments from neutral people in particular tell…
It was very different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from BBC Sport’s ‘neutrals’.
BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past have largely been a catalog of abuse directed at NUFC supporters.
Particularly stuff about the owners of Newcastle United and the media-inspired fuss that NUFC fans have become accustomed to when they are blamed for who now owns their club.
On this occasion, politics was (almost!) completely absent, focusing instead on matters on the ground…
The BBC Sport readers comments from neutral sides, some Bournemouth fans, plus the odd Newcastle supporter also contributing (as well as Sunderland fans pretending to be NUFC fans…):
‘Bournemouth fan here, I know we lost on penalties but can I just say how well my team have adapted to losing all our best players and are still playing against a decent Newcastle side and keeping a close eye on the neutral side’
‘As a Newcastle fan I age at least five years per game and I will be 120 by the end of the season.’
‘Fantastic performance by the Cherries with an exhausted team. Great FA cup spectacle…big congratulations to Newcastle.”
‘Since they won the lottery with sports money, Newcastle have become a truly detestable football club. And how fitting they have three of the biggest cheats in the game: Guimares, Joelinton and Gordon.
Unlucky Bournemouth, winning today would have done football a favour’
‘Miley is already a great player. I would also like to see Alex Scott in Black n White.”
“I think we were lucky to win that one. Bournemouth could have won 3-5!
What we learned today:
– Botman has lost half a meter
– We need a replacement for Joelinton who has the guts to defend (Willock looks disinterested)
– Trippier’s legs are gone
– Wissa needs to improve his finishing. He didn’t get much serve, but should have buried his two.
– Gordon is approaching his best again
– Barnes saves us AGAIN.”
‘Harvey Barnes is almost single-handedly keeping Newcastle United afloat these days!’
‘Newcastle just have to hope they don’t draw the Macc Lads in the next round.’
‘Maybe a blessing in disguise for the Cherries. They are short on team strength compared to last season and need to focus on the EPL.”
‘Can they deliver a good performance on Tuesday through willpower and confidence if their legs don’t?
We will see…. Here is the hope.”
‘One of these days this Newcastle team will learn how to defend a lead!’
‘The magic of the FA Cup is back.’
“I can’t wait to find out what it’s like to win without the drama….”
‘It may be entertaining for the neutral parties, but for their own fans it is hell!’
“Nobody deserved to lose that, but I’m glad we got through it. Hopefully Livramento won’t be out for the next few weeks. It is worrying that it is January 10th and we are down to four fit defenders, with no sign of any bids or loans. If we finish the window without reinforcements, we have only ourselves to blame if injuries and fatigue occur. The board must take action now, because we are running on fumes.’
‘The boys are tired, and it shows. They once again gave everything on the field. Eddie should be as proud as the fans. Onward and forward. Get a few players over the threshold.’
‘They were tired – but not as tired as Leeds and Bournemouth. Says a lot about Eddie and the coaching staff!!’
‘Brilliant match. Some of these FA Cup matches were fantastic and there was no VAR to interrupt the flow of the game or the constant pointless 5 minute checks for each goal.
‘Cherry fan here proud of my team. They gave it their all and finally stood on their feet. Such a huge effort, with the team depleted to the core and the young lad having to come on to keep 11 on the field. Neither side deserved to lose that. Should have been a repeat next Tuesday evening at Vitality.’
‘Always look at Bournemouth and their results. They just need to buy a few defenders to steady the ship. Going forward, they always create and score, but they look vulnerable at the back.
‘Man City get a nice warm-up and a confidence boost, while Newcastle get themselves completely confused again. Tuesday will be an absolute defeat for Newcastle.”
‘I’m sorry, but there’s no pleasure in getting through it by luck. The competition is only getting tougher. Home advantage against Bournemouth, who we should actually beat. Why can’t Eddie beat Bournemouth? They are not Barcelona. Bournemouth were much better than us. Surprising considering the players we have. For God’s sake, Eddie, stop giving Bournemouth too much respect!’
‘Unfortunate Bournemouth. Newcastle got lucky twice in one week.’
‘“Lucky” says the fan of a team that has won a league match without making a shot on target…!’
‘Bournemouth really won that.’
‘They lost
They’re out of the cup
They will not participate in the draw for the next round
That’s the reality.’
‘Flukecastle United.’
“Ramsdale never came close to saving a pin at Arsenal, I think they all came at once.”
‘Is there a pattern emerging? Twice a week Newcastle fall behind in extra time and are awarded a penalty. Are the officials yielding to the pressure from the home crowd?’
‘look at both penalties and wiggle your head.’
#BBC #Sport #neutrals #commentary #Newcastle #United #beating #Bournemouth #penalties