Poppies, banners, Dunk in goal: Brighton 1-1 Newcastle photos
A poppy display, VAR drama, protests against the Saudi sportswashing project and Lewis Dunk in goal – it is fair to say that Brighton 1-1 Newcastle had plenty of good stuff to take photos of.
Before kick off, the East Stand was turned into a mosaic of remembrance with a beautiful and poignant image of a poppy surrounded by blue and white stripes created by fans holding up coloured card.
The Amex always looks bloody incredible for displays like this – remember the 2-2 draw with Wolves on Rainbow Laces Day in 2019 – and this was no exception.
Judging by the number of photos sent into us of the display, it clearly went down well with Albion supporters as the club paid its respect to all those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.
Joining the pre-game action was a banner in the North Stand highlighting the many crimes of the Saudi Arabian regime who now own Newcastle.
Their purpose for buying the Toon Army is so that their nation is associated with footballing success rather than torture, slavery, beheadings and luring critical journalists to consulates in Turkey and then dismembering them.
The bad news for the Saudis is that their attempts at sportswashing are not working so far. Albion supporters are the second fan base to remind the world of the atrocities committed under the rule of Mohammed bin Salman after the highly effective banner displayed by Crystal Palace in October. Long may it continue.
On the pitch and VAR was at the heart of two of the key moments of the game. Firstly, referee David Coote awarded Brighton a first half penalty which Leandro Trossard converted after watching back on the pitch side monitor.
Isaac Hayden took advantage of Brighton being woeful in the second half to equalise before Mr Coote again consulted his television set.
This time, it was to check if Robert Sanchez should be sent off for a last man professional foul as the game ticked into injury time.
The answer to that was a pretty resounding yes and with Graham Potter already having made all three of his permitted substitutes, Captain Dunk was forced into donning the gloves for the final five minutes.
Confirmation, if it were ever needed, that there is no better sight in football than an outfield player going in goal.
If you have any photos you would like included our Brighton 1-1 Newcastle United gallery, please e-mail them to wearebrighton@hotmail.co.uk or tweet them to us @wearebrighton
