Newcastle star is ‘finished’ after ‘absolutely honking’ display vs Bayer Leverkusen – reaction
Newcastle fans have fumed at Dan Burn following his performance against Bayer Leverkusen during their 2-2 draw in the Champions League.
Newcastle went ahead in the second-half against Leverkusen on Wednesday (10 December) through goals from Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley, but failed to hold onto a vital three points.
Alejandro Grimaldo netted a late leveller for the German side as Eddie Howe was left devastated with his team’s late drop-off that allowed the goal to be scored.
Howe handed a fifth successive start to Burn at the BayArena, but he struggled to get to grips with Leverkusen’s nimble attacking pairing of Malik Tillman and Ernest Poku.
Burn was poor against Marseille in the Magpies’ previous Champions League encounter, and his latest showing has seen their fans fume at both him and Howe.
Burn’s struggles vs Leverkusen summed up by late equaliser
Lots has been made of Howe’s decision to play Burn as a left-back this season in Lewis Hall’s absence, with his form taking a hit, but he has even struggled in his natural centre-back role in recent times.
The 33-year-old started in the back four next to Malick Thiaw and misplaced nine passes throughout the game, while both of his long-ball attempts failed to find a teammate and he committed a foul.
Burn was able to win his duels up against Patrik Schick, but his limitations were on full show for Bayer’s equaliser, which saw him dragged out of position before Grimaldo fired home.
He was caught in two minds over whether to approach Ibrahim Maza for a tackle or stay marking Christian Kofane as the ball broke loose in the 88th minute, and his uncertainty allowed the former to play the ball through his legs into Grimaldo’s path to score.
Burn lambasted by Newcastle fans after Leverkusen – ‘Absolutely honking’
Burn has been slammed by Newcastle fans already this season after he was sent off against Brentford in November for two needless fouls.
This latest lacklustre showing was the final straw for many supporters, as they took to X in swathes during and after the game to criticise the England man, as well as Howe for consistently naming him as a starter.
One fan wrote: “What is Burn doing for the Grimaldo goal…like a giant dummy watching the ball go between his legs.”
Another said: “Dan Burn is finished, he should not be playing Champions League football. Joelinton shouldn’t kick another ball for us.”
While one supporter added: “What’s the point in BURN… our season is going nowhere with BURN starting matches! Look Dan Burn was what we needed and will go down as a legend… but it’s over now, time to play our best players! Howe make the change or your replacement will… he’ll get you the sack!”