It’s official - blunder ref Stroud is back on rota
KEITH Stroud has returned to the EFL refereeing rota - a full four months after his penalty blunder during Newcastle United’s victory over Burton Albion in April.
The 47-year-old wrongly disallowed Matt Ritchie’s converted spot kick before failing to then allow the Magpies winger to retake it.
Instead, Stroud awarded a free-kick to Burton - and the Professional Game Match Officials Limited admitted almost immediately after the game the referee had made a mistake.
Thankfully Stroud’s incorrect decision did not cost promotionchasing Newcastle all three points, Ritchie netting a second-half winner but his high-profile mistake became a national talking point.
During the final weeks of the campaign, Stroud did not tke charge of another EFL game as he was punished for his glaring error.
However, it has been claimed Stroud will be reinstated this term and will be placed on the Select Group Two list of officials who will take control of Championship matches this term.
It will come as a relief to Newcastle supporters to hear Stroud is not set to officiate any Premier League games this term, though.
So, unless the Magpies are unfortunate enough to see him appointed to one of their domestic-cup matches, the 47-year-old will not be stepping foot on the St James’ Park pitch any time in the near future.