Newcastle United fan footage captured the full-time reaction to the defeat to Crystal Palace.
Newcastle players and staff vowed to bounce back from their Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland at St James’ Park last time out but their defeat at Selhurst Park came in similar vein.
Like they did three weeks ago, the Magpies took the lead, this time through Will Osula, only to go on and lose the game after substitute Jean-Philippe Mateta netted a brace inside the remaining quarter of an hour.
Howe’s side have now dropped a staggering 25 points from winning positions in the Premier League to leave them 14th in the table with just six matches remaining.
The gap to seventh place Brentford is still only five points but with several other teams in the mix, United’s hopes of securing European qualification are hanging by a thread.
It’s not what the club, or at least its owners, have come to expect. Just 12 months on from their Carabao Cup victory and second Champions League finish in three seasons, Howe and his team have gone backwards.
And that is despite a further £250million being spent last summer, taking the total spend under PIF to around £700million.
The Newcastle fanbase is divided right now. There are those who appreciate and respect what Howe and his team have achieved, but are keen to voice their concerns and displeasure at the current state of play.
And there are those who don’t want to be seen turning on a manager and group of players that have achieved what no other Newcastle side has achieved in 56 years, and that’s win a trophy.
Newcastle United fan footage after Crystal Palace says everything
Those contrasting emotions were there for all to see at full-time at Selhurst Park. As Howe and his players made their way over to the away end, many booed, some of whom delivered expletives too. Others clapped.
Footage from one Newcastle fan doing the rounds on social media captures the boos as Lewis Hall is among the first players to head over to the away end. The left-back briefly holds up his arm in apology before the camera zooms in on Howe.
While the boos appear to get louder as Howe walks to the front, you can see other fans clapping.
“Yeah, I thought the our supporters were really good with us today,” Howe said afterwards. “Yes, I understand there's anger and frustration, I'm not blind to anything, but I think the majority stayed.
“I think they can see the team is trying, I don't think there's a lack of effort. But obviously, we're not performing as we want to perform.”
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