Chris Smalling vs Newcastle
Newcastle United fans were shouting ‘penalty’ in unison on Sunday against Manchester United.
And, in turn, plenty of other fans agreed with the Magpies.
Newcastle put in an excellent first half performance against Manchester United at St James’ Park.
Indeed, for large parts of the first half, the Toon were on top. Although slack shooting from Anthony Martial allowed the Magpies off the hook a couple of times.
Yet, at the other end, Newcastle were robbed a nailed-on penalty.
How did Chris Smalling get away with it?
Man United get away with a penalty
In the final stages of the first half, Chris Smalling fouled Dwight Gayle in the Man United box.
Yes, the foul ‘only’ happened at the top corner of the box, but yes, it was still in the area.
Chris Smalling penalty vs Newcastle
Replays clearly showed that Smalling tripped Gayle in the box. He lunged into the tackle, but he missed the ball.
Rafa Benitez was naturally flabbergasted on the sidelines by the non-decision.
Rafa Benitez couldn’t believe it
Cue the Chris Smalling hate
Fans poured onto social media to complain about the penalty which wasn’t given.
How does Smalling still play for us? Just saw the penalty incident on Gayle. Why’s he even challenging him there? Senseless.
— Doc (@Doc_Joshi) February 11, 2018
Time for Lindelöf to start playing. Can’t deal with watching Jones and Smalling attempt to build from the back.
— Jordan Clarke (@FourFourJordan) February 11, 2018
Looked like a penalty. Sloppy from Smalling. Poor with Gayle going away from goal.
— Tom McDermott (@MrTomMcDermott) February 11, 2018
Rafa Benitez furious on the touchline after Smalling brings down Gayle. No penalty awarded by referee Craig Pawson
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) February 11, 2018
Blatant penalty for Newcastle that. Smalling gets nothing of the ball and the ref is stood in the perfect position to see it. Gives nothing. Even @GNev2 agrees it’s an obvious foul.
— Joel Rabinowitz (@joel_archie) February 11, 2018
That’s a penalty for Newcastle. Smalling comes barreling in like the idiot he is & gets lucky that it’s not given. Shithouse modern defender.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) February 11, 2018
Also see: Graeme Souness destroys Paul Pogba before Newcastle.