“That is ridiculous!” – NUFC fans react as Rafa Benitez is hit with baffling FA charge

Rafa Benitez has been charged by the FA for pre-match comments about Andre Marriner prior to Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

The Spaniard now has until 6pm on the 28th September to respond to the charge, with him facing a fine if he accepts.

Rafa wanted the FA to look into Wilfried Zaha – who had been asking referees for extra protection after a serious of dangerous challenged on him in recent weeks – but instead the FA have decided to look at him, despite his harmless comments.

He said he was surprised Wilfried Zaha had not been punished for demanding greater protection from referees, also saying the following about Saturday’s referee, Andre Marriner:

 “I have a lot of confidence with Andre Marriner. He has a lot of experience, even if his record with our players is not that great in terms of red cards.”

To say Newcastle fans on social media have been left baffled and frustrated by the FA’s treatment is an understatement, with Rafa’s comments being tame in comparison to Zaha’s rant after their recent win at Huddersfield.

Here are some fan’s reactions on Twitter:

“So Rafa gets charged by the London FA all because he said that Zaha who actually criticised the refs should be charged by the FA for his comments though? That really do hate our manager & our club”

“He called him a good ref did he not?”

“Most people get charged for criticising referees, Rafa gets charged for praising one! Makes sense…”

“Zaha not getting charged? Since it was his comments that started it.”

“And Zaha not charged for what he said? Weird.”

Ridiculous. Managers may be better to say nothing in their pre-match pressers if this is now deemed unacceptable.

  (Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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