Leeds United’s seven-game unbeaten run was brought to a harsh end on Wednesday night as they slipped to a dramatic 4–3 defeat against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Widely billed as a leading contender for game of the season, the encounter delivered a breathless seven-goal spectacle, eventually decided by a decisive strike deep into stoppage time that secured all three points for the hosts.
Leeds looked set for a memorable away victory until Bruno Guimarães converted a penalty in the 90th minute to restore parity for Newcastle. That late setback proved fatal, as Harvey Barnes struck again 10 minutes later to complete a devastating turnaround.
| Newcastle United | Statistic | Leeds United |
|---|---|---|
| 17 | Shots | 11 |
| 7 | Shots on target | 6 |
| 62% | Possession | 38% |
| 509 | Passes | 229 |
| 86% | Pass accuracy | 70% |
| 9 | Fouls | 9 |
However, Leeds fans have reasons to feel wronged by the referee, and even Daniel Farke questioned the penalty awarded to Newcastle, which changed the game at the end.
Newcastle fans are complaining about the referee after beating Leeds
While Perri deserves criticism for his role in conceding the equaliser, the referee had a big part in Newcastle beating Leeds at St. James’ Park on Wednesday night.
The away fans have been left furious by the referee’s big decision to award Newcastle the penalty, which even BBC pundits claimed was a soft call.
However, what could infuriate Leeds fans further is that Newcastle fans are blaming the referee for being lenient towards Farke’s players at St. James’ Park.
One Newcastle supporter claimed Leeds were lucky to finish with eleven men on the pitch, while others complained that it was the worst refereeing performance they had seen.
A certain Newcastle fan claimed, “Leeds fans seem to think they were fortunate a few of their players weren’t sent off, so that could work.”
Another one added, “Worst refereeing performance I’ve seen, especially 1st half. Also, what’s the point of linemen if they’re not making decisions that happen right in front of them, just waiting for the referee to decide?”
A few more Leeds fans jibed in and said, “This referee deserves to be fired. What absolutely terrible calls he’s made.”
“This has to be the worst referee performance I have ever seen in my lifetime…. Borderline corrupt!”
Newcastle fans look delusional
The Magpies got the big decisions in their favour and are still complaining about the referee’s performance on Wednesday night.
Brenden Aaronson could not have put his arms in any other place after jumping to stop the cross towards the final minutes of the game. But the referee was happy to point to the spot.
Numerous 50-50 calls went in favour of Newcastle, and the penalty awarded to Leeds was a fair decision, which the home fans are complaining about.
The Whites have been at the wrong end of several bad refereeing calls, and the Newcastle trip became one more example of bad officiating.
