'Horrendous', 'Disgraceful', 'Embarrassing' – Newcastle fans blame one player for loss v Chelsea

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

28 Jan 2018, 9:51 am

Newcastle fans have reacted angrily after witnessing Massadio Haidara's display in the FA Cup clash against Chelsea. The 25-year-old joined from French side nancy for £2.25m in 2013 but has only made 52 appearances since then. His game time has been severely limited over the past two seasons, and he made just one appearance in Newcastle's Championship-winning campaign. The FA Cup clash on Sunday against Chelsea marked his first senior appearance this season and fans were surprised at his inclusion, and then angry when they saw the defender play. Haidara looked off the pace and disinterested for a large part of the first half and Newcastle went down to two goals from Michy Batshuayi, and a second-half striker from Marcos Alonso. Lots of fans blamed Haidara for not tracking back for the second goal, and one fan said he was "everything wrong with modern footballers". Here is a selection of the best reactions from seriously disgruntled newcastle fans:

Clark's out of position after attacking, Haidara should be helping cover, he has a player going right past him, it is his man, he is a defender but he simply can't be arsed to chase him. It's his fault.
— Richard Aitken (@richardinthebay) January 28, 2018

Haidara tracking back looks as though he’s running in a pair of waiders ... howay man at least put some effort in
— ShaunNUFC (@shaimoss) January 28, 2018

Haidara and Manquillo are easily two of the worst fullbacks I've seen at Newcastle.
— Neil Davison (@NDavison17) January 28, 2018

Haidara epitomises everything wrong with modern footballers. A player who has never been good enough yet has managed to steal a living at the NUFC for the past 5 years. Happy to pick up his paycheque and play half arsed every now and again rather than play weekly elsewhere.
— Richard Aitken (@richardinthebay) January 28, 2018

There’s a reason why haidara gets nowhere near that team fkn useless
— MCNO (@Adammcnallyy) January 28, 2018

Both goals could've been prevented if Haidara had made an effort instead of jogging back #nufc
— Toonarmist (@NUFC_Scotty) January 28, 2018

Manquillo, Haidara, Saivet. Not fit to wear the shirt. Gayle's been shite again too
— Dáire McGilloway (@dairemcgilloway) January 28, 2018

Haidara no effort in tracking back not interested in defending at all
— James Girdlestone (@Jamesgirdy1989) January 28, 2018

Can’t have wing backs who don’t track back, Haidara jogging back for that 2nd goal is disgraceful
— Jack (@JG_996) January 28, 2018

Haidara should be taking responsibility for that goal. Couldn't even be bothered to track Batshuayi. Embarrassing. #NUFC
— Richard Aitken (@richardinthebay) January 28, 2018