Poor Matty Longstaff. The youngster scored his third goal of the season against Rochdale, and to celebrate he got a clip round the ears from Matt Ritchie.
It was Ritchie’s first start since getting injured in August, and we saw pretty much every side of his game against the League One side. There was excellent delivery from out wide, providing the opening two goals. We also saw his infectious energy and work-rate.
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Then there was an over the top celebration where Ritchie whacked the goalscorer on the back of the head after finding the net. The only thing missing was a corner flag kicking.
Newcastle have tweeted out a clip of the celebration, and you can see the 30-year-old really connected with the academy graduate.
After the game, Athletic reporter George Caulkin tweeted a conversation he had with Ritchie, with the Magpies star saying that Longstaff complained about the celebration.
And a nice quote from Ritchie. Do his colleagues ever complain about him attacking them after goals?
“Yeah,Matty (Longstaff) said to me tonight actually, ‘Matt, man, why are you hitting my head? It hurts’. But I love it. I love the feeling of winning, of succeeding.” #Nufc
— George Caulkin (@GeorgeCaulkin) January 15, 2020
Obviously Matty’s complaint is in jest, but fans have been loving the clip on Twitter. And some think this is the reason the goals haven’t been flowing under Steve Bruce.
It’s a good job Ritchie wasn’t playing in either game against Manchester United, otherwise Matty Longstaff would probably have concussion…
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Fans react as Longstaff gets a whack for scoring
Christ it’s almost enough to put you off scoring knowing Ritchie’s gonna belt you one if you do! 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Still chuffed he’s back playing though #nufc @GeorgeCaulkin @ChrisDHWaugh @GallowgateShots @AWSFpodcast
— Daryl Mitchelhill (@DarylM87) January 16, 2020
No wonder we have some many injuries.
— Will Inman (@will10Inman) January 15, 2020
Ah poor Matty, but great to see Ritchie back. 😬
— Christine edwards (@Christi39066544) January 15, 2020
Lucky Mitro isnt with us anymore, he would of knocked him out
— 👻Spookshow Spectacular🎃 (@DudeAwesome1984) January 15, 2020
is this the reason joelinton doesnt want to score goal??
— Dubravka Hair Gel (@ich_sann) January 15, 2020
No wonder we haven’t been scoring lately. Assaulted afterward!!
— Tyneside Mag (@MagTyneside) January 15, 2020