BBC Sport comments from ‘neutrals’ – Interesting on Newcastle United after 1-2 v Brighton | OneFootball

Interesting to read through these BBC Sport comments, following on from Newcastle United losing to Brighton in the FA Cup.

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 (almost…) entirely absent, concentrating instead on matters on the pitch and especially, enjoying the fact that United lost this one.

The BBC Sport readers comments from neutrals, Brighton fans and the odd Newcastle United supporter also contributing:

‘NUFC had their chances, BHA took theirs. Cracking match.’

‘An enjoyable game. Well played and won Brighton.

Newcastle unfortunate to come up empty handed today, but they had their chances, not to be for them. Welbeck continues to impress.’

‘Heartbreak for the Saudi sportswashing project.’

‘Great to see. I’m sure Liverpool will beat them in the comedy cup final.’

‘As a Newcastle fan gutted but I hope Brighton go on and win it.

Brilliantly run club and play good football.’

‘Thanks, chappie. Will be hoping for a Tyneside win at Wembley in a fortnight.’

‘Are you aware that Brighton have benefited massively from interest free loans that weren’t covered by APT rules until now?’

‘What does schar need to b booked. At least 6 yellow cards in that game just for him.’

‘Yes he’s another of the gang of six NUFC thugs that regularly gets away with GBH on the pitch but go unpunished.’

‘Are you joking?! Baleba, Lamptey and Lopes all intentionally ended counters when on yellows and didn’t see red somehow. Hinselwood ended 3 counters with shirt pulls alone and didn’t get booked. Lenient officiating in Brightons favour is a huge understatement. For the record it was a red for Gordon.’

‘Especially the one by van Hecke on Willock. The ball was gone when the tackle was made.

If only England’s rugby team could tackle like that.’

‘Enjoyed that as a neutral.

Don’t know what Gordon was thinking of.

Lamptey sending off I thought was harsh. Ref only evening it up due to pressure from the home fans. Great finish from Welbeck.

Credit to both teams for a cracking tie.’

‘Also a bit silly, seeing as you shouldn’t be lunging for any challenges whilst being on a yellow card.’

‘Newcastle missed 2 open goals game should have been over long time ago

how willock missed that header i have no idea.’

‘Newcastle’s season falling apart, delightful.’

‘Bet a lot of clubs woul like to be pushing for top 4 and in a cup final

If that’s “falling apart” what about the other teams.’

‘Pushing top 4? Newcastle should be winning it with their backing. Terrible.’

‘PSR makes that largely irrelevant froma money perspective, I assume you know that? Or are you making a point of principle and swapping your car for a bike?’

‘Well done Brighton, silly boy Gordon now gonna miss final.’

Newcastle 1 Brighton 2 (AET) – Sunday 2 March 2025 1.45pm

(Stats via BBC Sport)

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Isak 22 pen, Gordon red card 83

Brighton:

Minteh 44, Lamptey red card 90+1, Welbeck 114 extra time

Possession was Newcastle 48% Brighton 52%

Total shots were Newcastle 15 Brighton 21

Shots on target were Newcastle 5 Brighton 5

Corners were Newcastle 6 Brighton 5

Touches in the box Newcastle 38 Brighton 45

Newcastle team v Brighton:

Dubravka, Livramento, Trippier (Targett 69), Schar, Burn, Joelinton (Willock 56), Tonali, Miley (Bruno 56), Gordon, Isak (Wilson 86), Barnes (Murphy 56)

Unused subs:

Pope, Krafth, Osula, Longstaff

(Newcastle 1 Brighton 2 (AET) – Match ratings and comments on all Newcastle United players – Read HERE)

(Newcastle 1 Brighton 2 (AET) – Instant Newcastle United fan/writer reaction – Read HERE)

(An opportunity lost – Newcastle 1 Brighton 2 (AET) – Read HERE)

Upcoming Newcastle United fixtures:

Monday 10 March – West Ham v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 16 March – Newcastle v Liverpool (4.30pm) Carabao Cup final Sky Sports

Wednesday 2 April – Newcastle v Brentford (7.45pm)

Monday 7 April – Leicester v Newcastle (8pm) Sky Sports

Sunday 13 April – Newcastle v Man U (4.30pm) Sky Sports

Wednesday 16 April – Newcastle v Palace (7.30pm)

Saturday 19 April – Villa v Newcastle (5.30pm) Sky Sports