Toon Fans Did NOT Boo Owen!
Last updated : 09 October 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
The booing for Owen came from the Everton fans at the top of the Leazes (obviously because of his ex-Liverpool past), and as I was in the middle section of that end, I couldn't understand what was happening.
But it certainly was NOT Newcastle fans!
YOUR E-MAILS ... and our thanks to everyone who posted.
Gary Armstrong: "I think the majority of people were booing the fact that Martins was being taken off after being one of our best players - in hindsight I guess they were wrong."
Doreen Gradon: "He was doing his ear thing to the Everton fans who booed him coming on."
Paul Johnson: "Might be wrong but the way my son saw and I heard it, it was because Martins was coming off. Like a lot of people, we would like to see Martins and Owen up front on occassion. The movement would have any central defender tied up in knots, as long as we dont hump the ball into the middle."
Paul Scott": An argument broke out where i was sitting between two supporters. This was because one of them was booing the decision to take Oba off. Obviously he was eating humble pie after the final whistle as the subs made all the difference."
Hugh Docherty: "Sitting in the Gallowgate it seemed to me the booing was directed at the fact that SA was taking Oba off and for no other reason."
Esplanadelodge: "They were booing the decision to take off Oba rather than Smith who had had a pretty poor game. Nowt to do with Owen coming on (in my opinion!!)."
ttfn Jonathan: "I sit behind the goals on the gallowgate and as far as we were concerned the booing was not for Michael Owen coming on but was for Martins going off instead of Alan Smith. OK, Martins misses some chances but at least he's in position to get them - more than Alan Smith has ever done. Alex Ferguson does not let good players go - Alan Smith is an average attacker and a poor midfielder and a lot of people realize this. People about me were hoping he would get booked and subsequently suspended. - Thats all ive to say for the mo except do you know any one in the Clitheroe, Whalley, Barnoldswick, A59 corridor who needs a lift, wants to share driving or fuel costs?"
Paul P - DH7: "I believe the reason for the booing was the fact Oba was being subbed for Owen, when part of the crowd actually wanted them to play up front together as there was worse players on the picth than Martins. Although Martins did actually miss some great chances, he was still getting into the positions to score them, as a forward you only start to worry when you are not getting in those positions, so I was a bit dissapointed for him that he was subbed. In my eyes, I would have taken off Charles Nzogbia as he did not have one of his better days and left James Milner on as he was playing decent enough. I think when you heard Milner was going off for Emre, there was also some booing at that sub. Yes get Emre on as he is our most creative midfielder we have at Newcastle, but I would have probably taken off Nzogbia and Geremi on Sunday. But not to worry, Sam knew what he was doing, as we got the result and both subs getting on the score sheet. Job well done by Sam."