'Difficult to accept' - Newcastle United players are all saying the same thing after West Ham defeat

The Magpies were good value for their 2-1 lead – goals from Callum Wilson and Jacob Murphy – at half-time before suffering a total collapse.

Steve Bruce believed referee Martin Atkinson’s decision to award a penalty after a challenge from Murphy was “harsh” and “changed the game”.

But how did Bruce’s players view performance? Here’s how they reacted on social media:

Jacob Murphy – ‘a decision that changed the game’

“Work to do this week to put things right.

"Played and won the ball IMO in regards to the pen, a decision that changed the game.

"On a plus note, it was epic to have a packed SJP and score in front of you!”

Isaac Hayden – ‘difficult to accept’

“Disappointing start to the campaign, difficult to accept after leading at half time. second half wasn’t good enough but no time to dwell.

"Time to get to work and put it right next weekend. Thank you for your support today was amazing to feel a full St James’ Park again.”

Callum Wilson – ‘bitter sweet’

“Bitter sweet today… first goal at a packed St James’s is what I’ve waited so long for!

"Frustrating we didn’t get three points to go with it!

"We go again next week.”

Allan Saint-Maximin – ‘very disappointed’

"Very disappointed with today’s result. We go again next week.”

Freddie Woodman – ‘proud to make my Prem debut’

“Not the start to the season we wanted. Proud to make my debut at this great club.”

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