The FA Cup fourth round finally concludes this week and we've already seen one major upset, with Championship promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough being dumped out by fourth tier Newport County. The Exiles went into it as massive outsiders but they managed to re-create the heroics that saw them eliminate Premier League Leicester City (2-1) in the third round again, defeating Boro 2-0.
Two fantastically well taken goals from Robbie Wilmott and top scorer Padraig Amond did the damage in South Wales and set up a dream tie with Premier League Champions Manchester City - with Pep Guardiola's men making the trip to Rodney Parade on 16th February. It was a magnificent evening for the home players and support but Middlesbrough on the other hand endured a horrendous night.
Boss Tony Pulis put out an almost full strength side and for whatever reason they just didn't get going, with the hosts deservedly going through. The players didn't once look up for the fight and it left the travelling 500 strong contingent of Middlesbrough supporters absolutely seething. The trip to Rodney Parade is one of their longest of the season (550+ mile round journey) so they weren't afraid to hide their dismay at the final whistle - which prompted an insane response by a number of first team players.
It's claimed that Rudy Gestede, Muhamed Besic and Adam Clayton approached the away end after the full-time whistle but after being greeted by boos from the angry fans, they decided to fight back which made matters a million times worse. The trio went on to laugh at the fans, tell them to f**k off and mimic crying which has brought a HUGE response on social media.
The result was bad enough but to have the fans abused and mocked like that by the players is clearly a step too far and many Middlesbrough supporters are calling for action to be taken against the trio - with Rudy Gestede in particular the main target. The Benin international is rumoured to be on around £20k p/w and has struggled for game time, so to instigate something like that when some fans have spent a lot of money and time travelling is a massive insult. Many fans are claiming that he laughed and also proceeded to tell them to f**k off - not great when you've struggled for game time and would want the fans on board.
