Referee Keith Stroud was drowned under a sea of boos at St James’ Park during Newcastle United’s match against Burton Albion.
Early in the first half, Dwight Gayle was barged over and the referee pointed to the spot. Matt Ritchie stepped up to take it and coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net.
Then things got very bizarre.
After the spot kick was converted, the referee blew his whistle. However, he was not ordering for it to be retaken, but rather he awarded a free-out to Burton.
The ref orders a retake after Ritchie converts. #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 5, 2017
Unsurprisingly, the Newcastle players took issue with the bizarre decision, but they’re complaints fell on deaf ears as play restarted from the edge of the Burton box.
The referee has given Burton a free-kick inside the box and the penalty WON'T be retaken!! Incredible! #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 5, 2017
32' – Unbelievable scenes at St. James' Park. Referee Keith Stroud disallows Matt Ritchie's converted penalty and there won't be a retake.
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 5, 2017
37' – The boos return around St. James' Park. The entire ground still baffled by the decision to disallow Ritchie's penalty. #NUFC
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 5, 2017
It appeared to be a free out for encroaching, but nobody seems too sure.
https://twitter.com/_AndyHa/status/849710237242335234
No goal, Butron freekick from a Newcastle penalty that was scored on! LooooooL!!! WHAT THE FUCK??? #NUFC
— NUFC Portal (@NufcPortal) April 5, 2017
Keith Stroud's decision in Newcastle vs Burton. Vote ⬇️
— Dictate The Game (@DictateTheGame) April 5, 2017
I'm looking forward more to Keith Strouds explanation than a Newcastle win..
— 🙂 (@TutFoster) April 5, 2017
https://twitter.com/JohnWainwright4/status/849704401732337667
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