---
title: "Newcastle fans react to Steve Bruce comments on Karl Darlow"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2021/02/23/newcastle-karl-darlow-steve-bruce-martin-dubravka/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "jrushworth"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2021-02-23T07:00:00Z"
modified: "2021-02-23T07:00:00Z"
---

# Newcastle fans react to Steve Bruce comments on Karl Darlow

A number of [Newcastle](https://readnewcastle.com/2021/02/22/manchester-united-3-1-newcastle-player-ratings/) supporters have reacted to comments from manager Steve Bruce on [Karl Darlow](https://readnewcastle.com/?p=32115) suggesting that the Magpies could look to replace him with Martin Dubravka in upcoming matches.

Darlow has been an influential performer for the Magpies so far this term in the Premier League, averaging 3.5 saves per game and keeping four clean sheets ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/karl-darlow/123689)). That has seen him almost single-handedly keep Newcastle in some matches, and there had even been some [suggestions that he could be on England’s radar](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/karl-darlow-catching-englands-eye-19542466).

However, Darlow endured a difficult evening against Manchester United, being beaten far too easily for Marcus Rashford’s opening goal at his near post. The 30-year-old was also unable to keep out the other two goals and that saw his average for goals conceded per game increase to 1.7 ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/player/karl-darlow/123689)). That [led to question marks from some fans](https://readnewcastle.com/?p=32115) over whether he should now keep his place.

Dubravka has returned to the squad from the injury which kept him out for the last few months. Following the defeat at Old Trafford, Bruce suggested that the time could now be right to assess the goalkeeping situation once again ahead of the final 13 games which will decide his team’s fate for the season.

The manager said (via [Chronicle Live](https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-bruce-talks-cardinal-sin-19885710)): “Obviously, with goalkeepers, it’s the cardinal sin if they let one in at their near post. We’ll have a look at the goalkeeper, he will be disappointed to be beaten at the near post for the first goal.”

**Newcastle fans react to Bruce’s comments on Darlow**

Many Newcastle fans were frustrated that Bruce had come out publicly and placed criticism towards Darlow instead of just handling it in private, although some agreed that the time is right for a change to be made in the goalkeeping department.

> I understand Bruce waiting for an excuse to drop Darlow but don't throw the lad under a bus, just switch him and say we need to freshen things up. Its the least he deserves after the season he's had
>
> — Malcolm Nichol (@malnichol) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/malnichol/status/1363777194594627586?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Classic Bruce, hanging his players out to dry. Another one he’s totally messed up – Darlow’s confidence will be shot to pieces now. Dubravka should have been back in six weeks ago.
>
> — Nick (@23nsg) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/23nsg/status/1363762070534180864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> To be fair, it’s karma for not playing Dubravka, like Darlow but Dubravka better
>
> — Paul Frecker (@FreckerP) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/FreckerP/status/1363768107936940033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Darlow was always 1 mistake away from being replaced and now its got to happen
>
> — kevin mcgarry (@KmcgarryMcgarry) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/KmcgarryMcgarry/status/1363764404764966918?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

> Sowing the seeds to dropping him. His performances have certainly dipped the last few weeks. It's time for Dubravka to come back in.
>
> — David Bland (@Blandy27) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/Blandy27/status/1363798393840099331?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

https://twitter.com/DavisonPhill/status/1363796449595686912?s=19

> Seriously the bloke has an excuse every time we get beat…so aye, that’s a lot of. Excuses!
>
> — Andy Stamp (@AndyStamp2) [February 22, 2021](https://twitter.com/AndyStamp2/status/1363762165807796224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)