This week's man in the middle - Howard Webb
There's nothing worse than listening to fans and managers bemoan the
result due to a referee's decision, but Bruce and Bluenoses are justified in voicing their anger at Webb's inability to do his job.
Bruce and Souness both have battling sides who don't mind the physical side of the game. At first the ref was content to have a quick word but it soon became clear that neither side took this man seriously.
Tackles went in harder and higher but still the ref refused to get on top of the game and produce a card.
This man has no concept of playing advantage. Best highlighted when he waved play on even when the ball had rolled back to our keeper!
Newcastle decided to take a quick free kick. Dunn blocked the ball, Dunn got booked and the ref moved the ball 10 yards forward. 5 minutes later, Blues had a free kick, Newcastle surrounded the ball, took 3 minutes to get back 10 yards then moved forward 2 as the ref walked away!
Was the ref a Newcastle fan? He refused to book any Newcastle players until deep into the second half, he let Yorke get a hearty shove in the back as he rose to head a ball and later allowed Upson to be shoved out of the way so Butt could grab a point for the visitors.
This ref can be summed up in one word - inept.
Ref rating - 3/10.
Booked:
Blues - Savage, Dunn Clemence
Newcastle - Elliot, Butt.