In a since-deleted tweet, BBC Leicester’s Owynn Palmer-Atkin commented on the Hamza Choudhury tackle that injured Matt Ritchie. Palmer-Atkin was apparently upset with Ritchie’s style of play during the game. He must not watch many Newcastle games as Ritchie always plays all out.
The tweet that has upset many Newcastle fans said the following:
Matt Ritchie has been absolutely destroyed by Hamza Choudhury in a huge tackle. Love to see it don’t ya.
He initially responded to the growing criticism with this response.
Have I celebrated that? No. Just applauding a strong tackle on a player who was dishing out worse. Thank you.
— Owynn Palmer-Atkin (@OwynnPA) August 28, 2019
After the criticism grew even louder, he has pinned the following tweet on his account.
In regards to a Tweet I posted yesterday, I would like to say that I am sorry for any offence I may have caused.
At the time, we weren’t aware of the extent of Matt Ritchie’s injury, & I would like it known that I wouldn’t wish any injury on anyone & wish him a speedy recovery.
— Owynn Palmer-Atkin (@OwynnPA) August 29, 2019
Newcastle’s Allan Saint-Maximin has tweeted the following to Owynn Palmer-Atkin in response to his original tweet which is also below.
Owynn Palmer-Atkin blocked Allan Saint-Maximin after his tweet and Allan responded with the following.
Damn, you just said you loved tackles bro… Why didn’t you enjoy mine? ? pic.twitter.com/ubBXIa3Wse
— Allan Saint-Maximin (@asaintmaximin) August 31, 2019
It was an unfortunate initial tweet from Palmer-Atkin. If he had know the extent of the damage done to Matt Ritchie, he most likely wouldn’t have used such celebratory tones in his tweet. He has issued an apology but the problem with social media is that it lasts forever.
This article was originally posted here