BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ on Newcastle United after 4-3 win over Leeds United

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United winning 4-3 against Leeds United

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 the actual football, as well as Kevin Keegan.

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, some Leeds fans, plus the odd Newcastle supporter also contributing:

‘Leeds were the better team most of the game. They totally silenced the home crowd for the first 20 minutes. Defensive errors cost Leeds the game. The open play and goals from Leeds were of a higher standard than Newcastles.’

‘Leeds fan here. Some things in life are bigger than football and somehow this crazy world sends us signs, so maybe it was inevitable that Newcastle battled back to win for Big Kev tonight. To lose out on a point is not what life is about, life is a battle everyday and in my eyes, we are all winners.’

‘That really was an entertainers game.’

‘Well done Newcastle..Leeds MOT.’

‘As a Leeds fan I know what Kevin Keegan means to you all and as tough as it was to take at the end 4-3 has KK written all over it. I sincerely wish him well. I wish you well too in your attempt to retain the Carabao. I’ll be cheering for you. I think we’re in good form at the moment and despite tonight’s result I think we will stay up.’

‘That match had ‘Kevin Keegan’ written all over it!’

‘So true, he would have loved it, absolutely loved it.’

‘That was a Kevin Keegan match in spirit! The parallels to the classic Liverpool 4-3 Newcastle game from 1996 cannot be overlooked – though Newcastle got the late winner this time!

By far the most entertaining game I have watched this season. Superb stuff as a neutral!

Get well soon, King Kevin.’

‘One of the best games I’ve ever seen in the Premier League.

Shame one team lost.

Leeds keeper is not good enough.’

‘Sunderland fan here, just wanted to wish Kevin Keegan all the best, some things are more important than football rivalry.’

‘That has to go down as one of the worst refereeing performances for some time.’

‘The Thiaw handball decision was definitely poor.’

‘You were lucky Joelinton didn’t walk for applauding ref after being given the yellow. Do agree he was a poor ref for both teams tonight.’

‘The ref’s job was to make sure Newcastle won, he did that just fine.’

‘Desperately disappointed to lose that in the 102nd minute. A draw would have been a fair result. Aaronson had a great game for us apart from the unfortunate arm flailing penalty. Still an excellent attacking performance away from home.’

‘No a draw wouldn’t, Newcastle had more chances with 2 of Leeds goals being gifts from Thiaw.’

‘An absolute humdinger of a game, ( Fantastic advert for the Prem ) & Leeds involved yet again. Either team looked like they could end up with 3,1 or no points !. Great keeper saves, posts & bar rattled, plus goals galore. No disgrace in losing today, but thought a point each was deserved. Got to say, well played to Newcastle. M.O.T’

‘Newcastle were denied a handball penalty against Man U because the defender’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position, pushing the attacker to the floor.

Today Leeds given a penalty because the defender’s arm was deemed to be in a natural position whilst being pushed to the floor.

It doesn’t make sense. Its why people think the game is corrupt.

‘A draw would have been fair. But, probably the best game of the season, played by two proper northern greats. Fair play! Anything could have happened. MOT.’

‘As a neutral wow what a game! Had nearly everything. Neither team deserved to lose and best wishes to both keegan and scharr. Is it just me, and not basing it just on tonight’s results but are games usually better when no London teams involved? A lot of those teams just seem to ooze London entitlement and think they better than they actually are. Better fans up north too.’

‘Ipswich fan – in peace. Good game between you two tonight. Newcastle coming good now and I think Leeds are doing really well and will stay up. Farke is a good manager. I’m here because I just read that King Kev has been diagnosed with cancer. I think I’m with fans all over the country when I say all the best with your treatment Kev, you can pull through mate.’

‘Hope the loss does not dent Leeds’ confidence and momentum.

Newcastle were just relentless. Sincere congratulations, and best wishes for your Top4/CL push.

And of course, make a speedy recovery KK.’

‘Gave up the drink for January, failed miserably tonight. Stupid resolution anyway, changed to no Cadbury cream eggs til Easter.

Fantastic game of football could have been 6-6. Leeds are easily the best promoted team we’ve played and a point each would have been fair.’