The celebration police were out in full force following Newcastle’s hard fought win over Chelsea on Saturday.
Instead of commenting on our incredible run of form or the fact Graham Potter’s side have now lost their last four games, Chelsea journalist Simon Johnson – who writes for The Athletic – said this to his 175,000 followers on Twitter after the game:
“Newcastle players are doing a lap of honour…is it the final game of the season?”
There’s a few reasons why this is such a bizarre and sour reaction, especially when it’s something we’ve always done since Eddie Howe took over.
Firstly, what is the harm in the full squad – players and staff – applauding yet another sell-out crowd at St James’ Park after a win? We’d just won our fifth straight Premier League game, extending our unbeaten run to 10, moving just two points behind Man City and securing third place for Christmas. If that’s not worth enjoying, what’s the point?!
Second of all, this is the last time we’ll play a competitive game at St James’ Park for over six weeks. The players have every right to not only celebrate the victory with passionate supporters who couldn’t feel more connected to the current group, but to wave them farewell ahead of the World Cup – where six of our players will compete – and the Christmas break.
Emotions spilled over after the full-time whistle, with several Chelsea players pushing and shoving following an altercation between Dan Burn and Kai Havertz, but it seems they weren’t the only bitter Blues!
Here’s what Johnson had to say in a tweet that received plenty of criticism from Toon fans and North-East reporters, who were quick to put him right:
It’s a bit pathetic, Olly. Definitely grasping at straws to try and find some way of denigrating us.
David Craig(Quote)
I suppose that’s the difference between a club that appreciates it’s fans, and one that just takes them for granted.
Archie Brand(Quote)