BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ on Newcastle United after 2-0 defeat to Manchester City

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United losing 2-0 to Manchester City at St James’ Park.

The comments from neutrals especially telling…

A lot of it different to what Newcastle United fans had come to expect from the BBC Sport ‘neutrals’.

The BBC Sport comments from neutrals in the past had been overwhelmingly a catalogue of abuse aimed at NUFC supporters.

Particularly stuff about the Newcastle United owners and the media-inspired pile-ons that NUFC fans have become used to, when blamed for who now owns their club.

On this occasion the politics entirely absent, concentrating instead on matters on the pitch…

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, some Manchester City fans, plus one or two Newcastle supporters also contributing (as well as the odd Sunderland fan…):

‘They will be laughing all the way back to Manchester. They dominated and outclassed the toon.’

‘Dominated? Score 2 of the only 3 chances they had, Newcastle were way better just couldn’t finish.’

‘Aye they did and no moans and whines from this toon lad. We still had chances mind, really should have done better but hats off to Man city.’

‘I’ve got a couple of good mates in Newcastle it’s always tough place to go, not over yet anything can happen.’

‘The Mags gave as good as they got but missed some good opportunities to score.’

‘I support neither team, but I have to say that Man City looked comfortable last night whereas Newcastle always looked a bit frantic. All in all though it was a good game to watch, in spite of the officials.’

‘Any Newcastle fans big enough to admit they would be incandescent if VAR had turned over THEIR goal under those circumstances.

Not clear and obvious.
No advantage gained.
Anti-football.’

‘I’d be disappointed, but I wouldn’t be incandescent because you can see how the laws were applied. If a player in an offside position is having an effect on play, there’s always a chance it will be disallowed. The fact the margins are very, very fine doesn’t change the old objective “if you’re off you’re off” rule.

Gordon had one disallowed a few games ago where Wissa was offside by a toenail.’

‘Guessing you forgot when Cheick Tiote scored from 30 yards out against you and it was disallowed pre var, for a non-existent offside because Joe Hart cried to the linesman. It’s not a new thing.’

‘Was this possibly the worst VAR decision ever. No matter who you support…that was a goal.’

‘The only ‘clear and obvious’ thing about that tonight was that VAR is totally ruining football. The FA Cup was miles more exciting at the weekend when you could actually celebrate a goal. Both that decision tonight, and the ludicrous amount of time it took to reach it, absolutely stank. Not Newcastle’s fault but Man City deserved the win.

‘Few weeks back Florian Wirtz clearly offside, goal allowed due to 5cm tolerance(wtf). Today Haaland doesn’t even look 1mm offside, disallowed. The game is being ruined by corrupt var officials.’

‘Corrupt? Against Man City? Oh the irony’

‘Spoiling tactics to weaken other teams so that they cannot compete. Somebody with a backbone should stand up to
FC115 lawyers.’

‘All those people who said Semenyo would be a benchwarmer. 2 games, 2 starts, 2 goals.’

‘Not only was Haaland not interfering with play, he was being actively held back by the defender. Pope was completely unimpeded. Semenyo was being rugby tackled as he scored. Decision – no goal. It’s beyond belief.’

‘Very suspect how Man City can buy your way out of trouble every transfer window and nothing gets done about it.’

‘Good game, Newcastle just not clinical where Man City were.’

‘After Newcastle coming out on top in the last two home games, just, I guess this was 3rd time unlucky.’

‘How did Joelinton stay on the pitch ?’

‘Lewis Hall was magnificent, definitely one of the top English left backs.

I’m a big fan of Foden, but right now Cherki should be Man City’s number 10. Cracking player and is playing with far less fear in his game.’

‘When are officials going to get banned for bringing the game into disrepute?’

‘Pep, what a genius! Spends another £70m on a top class player to play with his other world class players and amazingly he scores. How does he do it! If only other managers could buy all the best players in the world knowing they are exempt from PSR!’

‘Man City fan here. It was a poor decision – as was the non penalty in the league game. But, to be fair, City have had bad decisions in their favour too. Thing is, so do all clubs. It’s daft when people claim a rival club gets all the decisions in their favour. It’s not true. Many infringements are judgement calls, not absolutes – so mistakes or different opinions will occur. But yes, it was a poor decision’

‘Although undoubtedly talented, is Bernado Silva one of the dirtiest players in the Premier League’

‘I think you mean Joe Linton’

‘Chris Kavanagh added to the FIFA elite list. Probably go to the World Cup. I wouldn’t have him refereeing in my local park. A disgrace.’

‘I had hoped VAR would not be involved in this. It was and that was as ridiculous an intervention as I’ve seen and I am NOT a Man City fan. Quite the opposite. But that was just off the rails daft. Those guys are wrestling with each other and how could they see any offside? Five minute review. It’s no wonder so many of us who love the game despise VAR.’