Newcastle fiasco as Lascelles plays through apparent hamstring injury, leaving Benitez confused

Half-time substitute Jamal Lascelles appeared to hold his hamstring just two minutes after coming on for the FA Cup third-round replay against Blackburn.

Toon boss Rafa Benitez prepared Isaac Hayden to come on but the Spaniard was left throwing his arms to the air in frustration as confusion unfolded.

Lascelles, who'd replaced the injured Ciaran Clark, had played on for ten minutes after clutching the back of his leg.

Lascelles looked exasperated as he waved to the dugout while waiting to be taken off.

When the 25-year-old defender was finally replaced, he appeared to be in a heated discussion with Benitez before heading down the tunnel.



Newcastle fans raged on social media about the indecisiveness.

One described the situation as "embarrassing" while another accused Benitez of being "off his rocker".

The news was even more frustrating for Benitez having seen his side blow a two-goal lead.

Midfielder Sean Longstaff put the visitors ahead in 54 seconds and Callum Roberts added a second in the 22nd minute.

But Tony Mowbray's side fought back with Adam Armstrong and Darragh Lenihan equalising before the break.

Newcastle may face a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday's crucial relegation showdown with Cardiff.


 

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