Newcastle United had a converted penalty ruled out on Wednesday evening, and Burton Albion were awarded a free-kick. However, the referee made the wrong decision and should have ordered a retake of the penalty instead.
The penalty was awarded in the 29th minute of the game for a foul of striker Dwight Gayle. Matt Ritchie scored the penalty but the goal was ruled out and Burton were awarded a free-kick for encroachment. The referee made the wrong call however, and this understandably angered many Newcastle United fans, who feared the decision could impact their promotion hopes.
PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) released a statement on the decision, acknowledging that the referee made the wrong call. The statement reads:
“In the Championship game between Newcastle United and Burton Albion, referee Keith Stroud awarded Newcastle a penalty in the 29th minute. 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 that the penalty kick should have been retaken.
“Unfortunately, the referee has misapplied the Law. Keith and his team are understandably upset at the lapse in concentration and apologise for the mistake.”
Newcastle fans reacted to the decision on Twitter. Several fans felt that Newcastle United were treated different to other clubs, specifically promotion rivals Brighton:
because we are Newcastle, if it was Brighton it would have been given twice, ridiculous
— Ryan ⚫⚪⚫⚪ (@ryanbeard2012) April 5, 2017
If it was Brighton they would have allowed the penalty to stand and given them a bonus one too!!!!
— Tim Wild (@wildy79) April 5, 2017
However, most fans were just confused by the decision and didn’t know what had happened:
How can the opposing side get a free kick from a penalty????
— Shockerhippy (@shockerhippy) April 5, 2017
What happened? Why was it disallowed?
— Felipe (@FelipeC7S) April 5, 2017
What the hell is going on Ref
— Star Tours 🇺🇦 (@allbouthatspace) April 5, 2017
Many fans questioned the quality of refereeing in the Championship, wishing to get back into the Premier League where they feel the standard is higher:
championship refs summed up in one tweet
— Will Taylor (@WillT_01) April 5, 2017
Boy, I cannot wait to get out of the @SkyBetChamp. The standard of officiating is truly frightening. Absolutely disgusting stuff. @FA. #NUFC
— DJH (@NUFCDJH) April 5, 2017
However, other fans reminded them that there isn’t a massive difference between the Premier League and Championship:
Doesn't get much better in the prem tbh.
— Alex (@alex_scunny) April 5, 2017
You're right, the standard in the Prem isn't exceptional. But the quality of officiating in the @SkyBetChamp has been god awful this season.
— DJH (@NUFCDJH) April 5, 2017
Finally, some fans were able to see the humorous side of the decision, despite the goal being disallowed:
If there one club on the whole planet could concede a free kick from their own penalty kick it's Newcastle United #NUFC
— Craig (@LostSoulsForEva) April 5, 2017
