'It's difficult': Eddie Howe now sends plea to Newcastle United fans after what they did on Sunday

 · October 29 2024, 14:00
'It's difficult': Eddie Howe now sends plea to Newcastle United fans after what they did on Sunday
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During the game at Stamford Bridge on Sunday Eddie Howe turned to his bench to try and get his Newcastle United side back into the game.

At 2-1 down, Eddie Howe knew he had to do something to give his team a bit of a shakeup and as such, on 68 minutes he made a triple substitution.

As part of that change, Sandro Tonali was switched with Sean Longstaff with the decision to haul off Tonali greeted by boos by the travelling Toon Army.

It wasn't the first time that the decision to remove Tonali was greeted with a vocal protest by the crowd.

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Fans were not happy with Sandro Tonali being hauled off on Sunday

Sandro Tonali isn't untouchable and fans need to come to terms with that

In fairness to Eddie Howe, Sandro Tonali hadn't really done much to affect the game on Sunday so taking him off was a decent call. The issue is, Tonali is a big name player and is viewed as being better than he's actually shown he is so far for Newcastle United. If we're being honest with ourselves.

He's a revered player at Newcastle, regardless, so fans are always going to want to see him on the pitch and Eddie Howe gets that, but asked the fans in this morning's press conference (via The Chronicle) to forego the booing in future, at least until full time as it sends the wrong message to the player coming on.

"I think, firstly, I love the fact the supporters regard Sandro in the highest esteem as as I do. That, for me, is really pleasing.

"The only thing I would ask is that any frustrations towards me or any decisions are reflected after the game, rather than in the moment.

"It's difficult for those players coming onto the pitch. It just creates an element of doubt.

"The difficult decision I have in midfield is I have three outstanding players starting the game and you're trying to make changes that will help us - without leaving it too late. It's a delicate balance to do that."
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Fans pay enough money they should be able to boo all they want to

It's a fair request from Howe, but unfortunately, that's just not how things work. How would he know what the fans think he's doing wrong specifically if they just booed at the end of a game?

I'm not a fan of booing your own team, but that's not to say I don't understand it. With the money fans have to fork out to go to a game, they should be allowed to boo for 90 minutes if that's what they want to do.

Hopefully, there will be fewer causes to express disappointment as the season goes on. That's how to fix the problem, really. Don't give them anything to get upset by.

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