Did Robert Really Bottle The Shootout?
By Matthew Jones
August 29 2003
Did Laurent Robert bottle out of the spot-kicks at St James' Park? He took off his boots after the final whistle, and while Sir Bobby was drawing up his penalty takers list, was ordered to put them back on. He did not take a penaltly, and reports claim he "bottled out".
Newcastle United and French winger, Laurent Robert has been accused of "bottling out" of Newcastle United's penalty shootout on Wednesday nights against Partizan Belgrade at St James' Park.
The Sun has claimed that Robert removed his boots after the final whistle - and was ordered by manager Sir Bobby Robson to put them back on while he was drawing up his penalty takers list.
However, Robert did not take a spot-kick and United lost 4-3 on penalties at St James' Park.
Robson said pointedly: "We did not take good penalties - but how can you criticise the players who have shown the bottle and courage to take them?"
Maybe Robert did not want another "bust-up" with the boss if he missed? Was he scared of missing? Did get get dropped? Was he next in line? Discuss it on our message boards - no need to register!