Ex-PGMOL chief shares 'sad' Attwell truth after Newcastle v Bournemouth mess
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Stuart Attwell “lacks empathy” in his refereeing after he was heckled by Newcastle fans during a chaotic officiating display in the 4-1 win by Bournemouth, Keith Hackett has said.
The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official suggested that the referee "sadly all too often reaches for his cards" rather than managing the game, which leads to frustration.
While having qualities as an official Hackett also believes Attwell’s reputation has never recovered from erroneously awarding a goal to Reading against Watford in 2008 [Guardian].
The Magpies received just one yellow card, for Joelinton, while the opposition were shown six yellow cards.
Newcastle fans vented their anger at the referee anyway, despite having just ruled out a goal for the visitors, as they lost to a Justin Kluivert hat-trick and Milos Kerkez's fourth goal to end their winning run.
Newcastle supporters weren't happy with Stuart Attwell's performance
Eddie Howe's side had been in excellent form after a sluggish start to the season, having won nine consecutive games across all competitions.
Their fine run had lifted spirits and expectations, but that momentum came to an unexpected halt with a 4-1 defeat to the Cherries at St James' Park.
Alexander Isak, who had been in superb form, struggled to make an impact in this game. With Callum Wilson sidelined due to injury, the team's attacking options have become more limited.
This has led to speculation linking the club with a move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose arrival could help strengthen their forward line and provide more depth in attack.
The frustration directed at the referee by the fans isn't a new phenomenon, especially when results don't go as expected. Hackett noted that this kind of reaction from supporters is "nothing new”, especially with Attwell. He told Football Insider:
“Attwell has never lost the fact that he awarded a ghost goal at Watford many years ago.
That day he relied on his assistant who gave him the wrong advice.
“Attwell is fit and mobile but at times lacks empathy for the game and rather than man managing situations sadly all too often reaches for his cards.
“Newcastle were not expected to lose the game so in the usual manner the referee starts to take the brunt of the fans frustrations – nothing new.”
Howe’s side now will focus on an away fixture to Southampton on 25 January in the Premier League.
In other news, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer sent Erling Haaland a message.
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The post Ex-PGMOL chief shares 'sad' Attwell truth after Newcastle v Bournemouth mess appeared first on Football Insider.
