Brighton goalkeeper David Stockdale was the butt of the jokes on social media yesterday, but he has shown his class in the aftermath of Newcastle pipping his Brighton side to the title.
Stockdale allowed Jack Grealish’s long-range effort to squirm underneath his body, gifting Aston Villa a late equaliser, which in turn led to Newcastle winning the Championship title.
The former Fulham shot-stopper was visibly dejected at the full-time whistle, meanwhile there were scenes of delirium on Tyneside.
But that doesn’t tell the whole story.
Two weeks ago, with Brighton seven points clear of Newcastle with three games to go, Stockdale was interviewed and asked ‘Who is bottling it now?’
The Seagulls then lost two and drew one of their final three games, while Newcastle won all three of their final games to seal the most unlikely of title wins.
Of course, the article then resurfaced on social media and Stockdale was ridiculed for his premature comments.
However, his dignified response on social media deserves to be praised.
He tweeted: “Gutted to go out like that. Big thank you to all my team-mates and staff. Thank you to all the fans.
“Also congratulations to Newcastle United on being Champions. Good luck in the Premier League.”
Newcastle fan Peter Sedgewick then replied to Stockdale, saying: “Very humble of you. Although that ‘who’s bottling it now’ article of yours is looking a bit awkward now.”
And Stockdale’s response was very classy: “As they say ‘you give it, you need to take your medicine also’ that’s life and I’m man enough to take it.”
Stockdale may well sign off his Brighton career on that mistake as despite winning promotion he is yet to agree a new contract, with his current deal running out this summer.
Chelsea are reportedly keen to sign the 31-year-old as they look to replace Asmir Begovic, who is set to exit Stamford Bridge in the Summer transfer window.