Newcastle ball boy rejects Mohammed Kudus’ cheeky request for West Ham celebration

The Hammers star struck a fine goal at St James’ Park and immediately asked the ball boy to assist with his signature celebration

Jack Rathborn
Saturday 30 March 2024 14:09 GMT
Comments
(Getty Images)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mohammed Kudus was knocked back by a Newcastle ball boy after his cheeky request to use the youngster’s stool for his celebration after West Ham’s goal.

The Ghanaian slammed the Hammers in front on the stroke of half-time at St James’ Park in the lunchtime Premier League kick-off.

And Kudus immediately pointed towards the ball boy, requesting to use his pitchside stool as a prop for his celebration.

But with the Magpies trailing, the ball boy was in no mood to assist in the Hammers’ delight, with Kudus instead sitting on the pitchside advertising board.

There was controversy surrounding the goal, too, despite West Ham awarded a free-kick moments earlier.

Fabian Schar was struck in the face but West Ham opted for a quick free-kick, slipping Jarrod Bowen in behind the Newcastle backline before the Swiss defender could receive medical treatment.

Eddie Howe was seen raging on the touchline as West Ham celebrated, but VAR could not interfere following the incident.

The visitors enjoyed a fine day at St James’ Park, rallying after Alexander Isak’s early opener from the penalty spot, following Vladimir Coufal’s foul on Anthony Gordon.

But Michail Antonio equalised before Kudus’ goal on the stroke of half-time.

And Bowen, after impressing for England earlier in the week, hit a third shortly after the restart to the delight of manager David Moyes.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in