Toon keeper sorry for costly boob
MARTIN DUBRAVKA has apologised for the clanger which gift-wrapped Manchester United’s latest win.
The dejected goalkeeper has been outstanding since a manof-the-match debut display against United 11 months ago. But after Newcastle had held out for more than an hour on Wednesday, Dubravka fumbled a Marcus Rashford free-kick, allowing Romelu Lukaku to pounce for United’s first goal just 38 seconds after coming off the bench.
There was no way back for Rafa Benitez’s struggling side, who went down 2-0 and have now lost eight of their 11 games at St James’ Park this season. And Dubravka admitted it was his mistake that cost them, apologising to his teammates and the Toon Army. “It is very frustrating that I could not make it memorable like last time,” said the Slovak star.
“It was my fault. I tried to save it but the ball moved a little bit and I was not able to capture the rebound.
“I have to say sorry to my teammates and the fans.
“It was a good result at half-time and we thought we could fight for the victory. We were compact, had played well and created a few good chances.
“Unfortunately that goal affected the whole game and I apologise for that.”
Newcastle fans have united to send an open letter to owner Mike Ashley pleading with him to back Benitez in this month’s transfer window.
With hopes of an imminent takeover fading, Ashley is unlikely to have his wish for a £300m sell-off granted any time soon.
That has raised fears that he will keep the chequebook firmly closed, despite Newcastle being the Premier League’s lowest net spenders over the past three seasons.
Benitez is desperate for reinforcements, claiming it would take “a miracle” for the Magpies to survive. His side are just two points above the drop zone with a nightmare schedule ahead of them.
And fans are alarmed at a potential double whammy of relegation and Benitez walking away when his contract runs out at the end of the season.
They have called off protests – inside and outside St James’ Park – while there is the possibility of a takeover. Now they’ve written to Ashley telling him the ongoing takeover “cannot be used as an excuse not to spend money”.
In the letter, they claim failing to do so would be “reckless and foolish given the damage you know relegation would do”.
The fans’ groups, which include the Mag fanzine, The Magpie Group, Newcastle United Supporters’ Trust and True Faith fanzine, confirm there will be no anti-Ashley protests while hopes of a takeover remain.
And they close the letter telling him: “We hope it happens but if it does not, you have to protect your own longterm interests and we ask you to do what is right for the supporters too.
“We want Benitez to stay and we want to stay in the Premier League. You have the power to make that happen.”
Go to dailystar.co.uk to read the letter in full.