NOT IN TOON
Newcastle fan ‘made a mistake’ throwing beer bottle at Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, says Rafael Benitez
Full-back Wan-Bissaka was struck in the goalless draw at Selhurst Park
RAFAEL BENITEZ says the Newcastle fan who threw a beer bottle at Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka "made a mistake".
Full-back Wan-Bissaka was struck in the second-half after one of the travelling fans launched a Carlsberg bottle at the Eagles full-back.
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The incident happened during the goalless draw at Selhurst Park that leaves Benitez's team in the drop zone.
Newcastle's chief said: "We had almost 3,000 fans here and one made a mistake - but the rest were fantastic.
"If we want to be stronger we need the fans behind us. Our fans away have been outstanding, no doubt about that."
Wan-Bissaka, the 20-year-old full-back, is said to have not reacted when it hit him on the shoulder.
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An eyewitness said: "Wan-Bissaka was hit with a Carlsberg bottle from a Newcastle fan.
"It hit his shoulder and he didn’t react but it was still shocking."
The incident could have more implications for the north-east club.
After seeing the referee's report, the Premier League can decide whether to open an investigation and impose sanctions on Newcastle.
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Wan-Bissaka helped Roy Hodgson's team to a point but Palace deserved more as they dominated the visiting side.
A point takes Palace up to 11th in the Premier League while Newcastle leapfrog Cardiff but remain in the drop zone.
Mike Ashley was in attendance at the South London ground, watching his first Newcastle game since May 2017.
Asked if he spoke to Ashley, Benitez said: "Not really. If the owner wants to support the team that's fine.
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"But if the owner could be on the pitch and score a couple of goals it would be better."
For Palace, even Hodgson's leading man Wilfried Zaha couldn't make the difference this time. But he almost didn't make the game.
Zaha had to receive treatment after appearing to injure his back during the pre-match warm-up.
The Ivorian played but couldn't make the difference in South London.
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