adminNewcastle United fought back from two goals down to rescue a dramatic point against Bournemouth at St James’ Park, but the result was overshadowed by a furious reaction from manager Matthias Jaissle.
The German boss was left with plenty to think about after seeing his side struggle badly in the opening stages before mounting a spirited comeback. Harvey Barnes pulled one back before Jacob Ramsey completed the recovery late on.
Jaissle also played his part from the touchline, making a crucial late decision that helped Newcastle avoid defeat in his third game in charge.
The point means Newcastle remain unbeaten, although they were perhaps fortunate to escape with a draw after Bournemouth created 17 chances.
The Cherries dominated large periods of the opening 35 minutes, with Newcastle giving the ball away, struggling to create opportunities and coming under sustained pressure.
Bournemouth produced 13 attempts in the first half alone, and the game could arguably have been beyond Newcastle’s reach before the half-hour mark had the visitors been more clinical.
The clash got off to a hectic start when Bournemouth won a dangerous free-kick on the edge of the area, but Marcus Tavernier’s effort went straight into the body of Lukas Hornicek.
Tavernier did find the breakthrough in the ninth minute, however, finishing from close range at the Gallowgate End.
There was controversy surrounding the goal, with referee Rob Jones failing to award a foul after Anthony Elanga was brought down shortly before Bournemouth launched their attack.
Rayan broke forward down the right and sent a low cross into the danger area, with Sven Botman only managing to half-clear.
The indecision from the Dutch defender allowed Adam Smith to pick out Alex Scott, whose first-time cross found Tavernier, who made no mistake from close range.
Bournemouth almost doubled their advantage four minutes later, but Evanilson’s effort sailed over the bar.
Hornicek then came to Newcastle’s rescue again on 26 minutes, easily gathering Tavernier’s tame effort after the Bournemouth winger had closed in on goal.
Things got even worse for Newcastle in the 35th minute.
Justin Kluivert unleashed a rocket from around 35 yards which smashed against the post before Alex Scott followed up with a cross that deflected off Malick Thiaw and into the bottom corner.
Newcastle, however, responded almost immediately.
Just 42 seconds later, Harvey Barnes broke free down the left before whipping an effort over Dorde Petrovic and into the right-hand corner to make it 2-1.
Lewis Hall’s pass released the £38m man, who took four touches before producing a devastating finish.
Newcastle went into the interval still behind, but they returned after the break with greater urgency.
Six minutes into the second half, Elanga’s cross found Joe Willock, whose header flew inches wide.
Jaissle then turned to his bench after the hour mark, introducing his £51m new signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo and Jacob Ramsey in an attempt to change the game.
Willock and Miley made way as Newcastle searched for a route back into the contest.
The German’s frustration with the officiating, however, continued to grow.
Fernandez-Pardo’s introduction to English football was interrupted by Kluivert, who was booked for his challenge.
With Newcastle supporters increasingly frustrated by Jones’ decisions, Jaissle also made his feelings known from the technical area.
The Newcastle boss eventually received a yellow card himself after stepping outside his technical area one too many times.
The Magpies continued pushing forward and introduced Sean Steur and Jacob Murphy with 13 minutes remaining.
Then came the decisive moment.
Murphy was fouled by Adrien Truffert in the 88th minute, giving Newcastle an opportunity to send the ball into the Bournemouth penalty area.
Jaissle had been preparing to make another change, but he suddenly told his bench to wait.
Seconds later, Amar Dedic pumped a high free-kick into the box. After a frantic scramble, Ramsey emerged at the right moment to fire Newcastle level.
It was a dramatic turnaround after Bournemouth had looked firmly in control for much of the afternoon.
But despite the late equaliser, Jaissle was still deeply unhappy with one particular incident — the decision that preceded Bournemouth’s opening goal.
The Newcastle boss felt Elanga had been clearly fouled before the visitors were allowed to break forward and eventually score.
And his frustration boiled over when discussing the officiating.
“That goal shouldn’t have been given. There was a clear foul in the build-up, but honestly, the referee seemed to be against us today. I don’t know if we did something to upset him, but some of the decisions were really unfair.
“I’m angry and disappointed, and I urge PGMOL to act quickly. We work too hard to have points taken away from us like this. If the officials are not held accountable, then what are we supposed to do?
“This simply cannot continue.”
Tino Livramento was eventually introduced during six minutes of added time, but neither side could find a winner.
Newcastle therefore had to settle for a point after recovering from 2-0 down.
Referee Rob Jones and his officials were jeered off the pitch at full-time as frustrated Toon supporters made their feelings known.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
