Burnley manager Scott Parker revealed the second half chant from Newcastle fans that need to be investigated

Scott Parker Calls for Investigation Into “Unacceptable” Second Half Chant After Burnley’s 2–1 Defeat at St James’ Park

Burnley manager Scott Parker says a second half chant from a section of Newcastle United supporters “must be looked into” after his side fell 2–1 in a dramatic and emotionally charged match at St James’ Park.

The Clarets, already fighting a difficult Premier League season, were outmatched for long stretches of the game but nearly salvaged a point in stoppage time. Yet it was not only the football that dominated Parker’s post match comments but also a controversial chant he claimed was directed toward Burnley personnel during the tense closing stages.

Guimarães Opens the Scoring and the Atmosphere Turns

Newcastle started brightly, pressing high and starving Burnley of early possession. Their pressure was rewarded in the 31st minute when Bruno Guimarães struck with precision and calm. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, the Brazilian midfielder bent a low curling effort into the bottom left corner beyond goalkeeper Arijanet Muric.

The goal lifted the home crowd and put Burnley under immediate pressure. For the visitors, it felt like another uphill battle in what has become a turbulent campaign.

Gordon Doubles Newcastle’s Lead From the Spot

Burnley held on gamely until first half stoppage time, but misfortune struck in the 45 plus 8th minute. A handball inside the area gifted Newcastle a penalty, and Anthony Gordon stepped up confidently.

His strike, low and firmly into the corner, sent St James’ Park into raptures for a second time and gave the Magpies a commanding two goal advantage at the break.

Second Half Grit From Burnley

To their credit, Burnley emerged from halftime sharper, braver and more aggressive. Parker’s side pressed higher and began winning second balls in midfield. Newcastle remained dangerous on the counter, but Burnley looked the more energetic team through the opening 20 minutes of the second period.

It was during this phase, Parker says, that he and members of the Burnley bench began hearing a chant directed at them from the East Stand. He described the chant as crossing a line.

“I am all for atmosphere. I am all for passion. It is what makes this league special,” Parker said after the match. “But there is a difference between supporting your team and using language that has no place in football. What we heard in the second half needs to be looked into.”

Parker declined to repeat the words publicly, saying it would be inappropriate, but confirmed he had already raised the matter with match officials.

Late Burnley Fightback Almost Stuns the Hosts

Despite the off field controversy, Burnley’s players continued fighting on the pitch. In the 90 plus 4th minute, the visitors finally found a breakthrough when Zian Flemming converted a penalty of their own, blasting the ball into the top corner and briefly silencing the home support.

For the first time  the momentum felt as if it had shifted. Burnley pushed forward desperately in the final seconds, and a deep cross into the box found Dara O’Shea, whose header drifted just wide. Newcastle hearts were in mouths, but the final whistle sounded moments later, confirming a 2–1 win for the hosts.

Parker Says the Chant Must Be Investigated

While Parker praised his side’s resilience and described the performance as full of spirit, his tone hardened when asked about the second half incident.

“Football is emotional, I understand that,” he said. “But when something is shouted repeatedly and when it is aimed at individuals rather than just the opposition team, we have to draw a line. I trust the Premier League to look into it. This is not about blaming the entire fanbase. Newcastle have incredible supporters. But this specific incident needs to be reviewed.”

Club officials from Burnley are expected to submit an official query, though Newcastle United have not yet issued a public response.

Newcastle Celebrate as Burnley Reflect

For Eddie Howe’s team, the victory represents another valuable step in their pursuit of European football. Gordon was lively, Guimarães influential in midfield and the defence, though nervy late on, held firm when it mattered.

Burnley remain locked in the relegation fight, but Parker insisted there were positives to take forward.

“In the second half we showed what we can do,” he said. “We will build from that.”

Even so, the match may be remembered less for its football and more for the off pitch allegation that now hangs over it. As both clubs wait to see whether league officials take further action, the incident adds another layer of scrutiny to what was already a tense afternoon in the North East.