You can’t help but feel sorry for Ciaran Clark, that is unless you’re a Newcastle United fan… or a gambler.
90 minutes into their Championship tie against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday night, Ciaran Clark would have been fairly content with where things stood.
His team were winning 2-1, a result that would have seen them remain in top spot in the Championship. The referee could have blown the whistle on the 90 minute mark and Clark would have walked away from the game without much scarring (emotional or physical) to show for it.
However, everything went south for the Republic of Ireland international as he turned into the unfortunate villain to his own supporters.
With just added time left to play, the defender had some communication wires mixed up with the goalkeeper resulting in a tragic own goal. A very nonthreatening ball looped into the box and with no pressure from any opposition players at all, Clark made an almighty leap in attempt to clear it, only to end up nodding it backwards into his own net.
The game finished 2-2.
Ciaran Clark rolling back the years😂😂😂 #avfc pic.twitter.com/RvtHOOqTvp
— Willem (@WillemMR_) February 1, 2017
Win gone, top spot gone, and both left Newcastle United fans’ lives in such heartbreaking fashion.
So, it’s unsurprising that some fans got a bit emotional and let their frustrations out on poor old Clark. However, he also face a lot of vitriol from punters who lumped money on a Newcastle United victory.
https://twitter.com/kyledillon55/status/826909989264580612
https://twitter.com/steviemc8/status/826909416603672579
https://twitter.com/AdamGSH0RE/status/826912801008517122
@C___Clark owe us a massive £13.50 after that. Bet killer.
— Damon (@DHooper14) February 1, 2017