Update: Referee Keith Stroud issues apology to Newcastle <br />Following Newcastle’s 1-0 win over Burton Albion, referee Keith Stroud issued a statement via the Professional Game Match Officials Limited Group. <br /> <br /> <br />It read: “In this evening’s game between Newcastle United and Burton referee Keith Stroud awarded a penalty. As Matt Ritchie took the kick, Dwight Gayle encroached in the penalty area.” <br /> <br />“An indirect free-kick was awarded to Burton, but the laws of the game state that penalty kick should have been retaken. <br /> <br />“Unfortunately the referee has mis-applied the law. Keith and his team are understandably upset at the lapse in concentration and apologise for the mistake.” <br /> <br />It all worked out fine in the end for Newcastle and Matt Ritchie as his goal in the second half won the game for Rafa Benitez’s side. <br /> <br /> <br />Via the Newcastle Chronicle. <br /> <br />Newcastle go nuts! <br />There is plenty of pressure on Newcastle tonight as they look to return to the top of the Championship. <br /> <br />At half-time it was 0-0 and no one in St James’ Park could understand simply how it was possible. <br /> <br />On 29 minutes played, Newcastle won a penalty, to be taken by former Bournemouth winger Matt Ritchie. <br /> <br />A fine penalty was tucked away, much to the delight of the home support. <br /> <br />At first referee Keith Stroud ordered a retake – for no known reason. <br /> <br />At half time it was claimed a foul by Gayle saw the penalty disallowed. <br /> <br />Seriously WTF?! <br /> <br />And, then Stroud proceeded to simply disallow the penalty. <br /> <br />The spot kick looked pretty much as you would expect. <br /> <br />There was plenty of rage on the Newcastle Twitter account – see below. <br /> <br />Videos of Matt Ritchie’s penalty for Newcastle v Burton
