Update: Referee Keith Stroud issues apology to Newcastle
Following Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Burton Albion, referee Keith Stroud issued a statement via the Professional Game Match Officials Limited Group.
It read: “In this evening’s game between Newcastle United and Burton referee Keith Stroud awarded a penalty. As Matt Ritchie took the kick, Dwight Gayle encroached in the penalty area.”
“An indirect free-kick was awarded to Burton, but the laws of the game state that penalty kick should have been retaken.
“Unfortunately the referee has mis-applied the law. Keith and his team are understandably upset at the lapse in concentration and apologise for the mistake.”
It all worked out fine in the end for Newcastle and Matt Ritchie as his goal in the second half won the game for Rafa Benitez’s side.
Via the Newcastle Chronicle.
Newcastle go nuts!
There is plenty of pressure on Newcastle tonight as they look to return to the top of the Championship.
At half-time it was 0-0 and no one in St James’ Park could understand simply how it was possible.
On 29 minutes played, Newcastle won a penalty, to be taken by former Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie.
A fine penalty was tucked away, much to the delight of the home support.
At first referee Keith Stroud ordered a retake – for no known reason.
At half time it was claimed a foul by Gayle saw the penalty disallowed.
Seriously WTF?!
And, then Stroud proceeded to simply disallow the penalty.
The spot kick looked pretty much as you would expect.
There was plenty of rage on the Newcastle Twitter account – see below.
Videos of Matt Ritchie’s penalty for Newcastle v Burton
