ALL THE CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION
FA to probe unrest
HUDDERSFIELD may have to take a call from the Football Association this week after a series of controversial incidents sparked fury at the John Smiths Stadium.
Assistant referee Dan Cole was showered in clappers after a controversial goal from Darryl Murphy. And the official handed a heavier object to referee Roger East, who was then criticised by the announcer at half-time.
Huddersfield fans were also incensed by Matt Ritchie’s opener after it appeared Jonjo Shelvey had handled the ball in the build-up.
Once again the man with the mic weighed in as he asked non-playing Harry Bunn what he thought of the penalty at the break as Bunn accused Ritchie of diving.
Incendiary public comments are not allowed and the FA are sure to launch an investigation.
Huddersfield manager David Wagner was already serving the second of a twogame touchline ban and his mood will not have improved with his side’s display.
Newcastle, who extended their unbeaten league run to 10, are now 11 points ahead of Huddersfield, who have rivals Leeds on their tails.
It needed an injury-time goal from Dwight Gayle to rubberstamp the win, though, after Aaron Mooy’s penalty set up a nervy finale.
Ritchie’s penalty opened Newcastle’s account before Murphy added a second after a long ball caused a mix-up. It should have been Danny Ward’s to collect but the goalkeeper hesitated, Murphy did not, and the ball slid in.
Ward, who was replaced at half time because of injury, protested long and hard, but was at fault. Despite being two goals down Huddersfield still looked for a way back. Mooy converted, after Shelvey had fouled Elias Kachunga and there was still time for more excitement.
In added time, substitute goalkeeper Joel Coleman went up for a corner and was caught out by Newcastle on the break. Gayle sprang the offside trap, Coleman was stranded and Gayle tapped in to an empty goal.