Sir Bobby Robson's 10 Greatest Moments At Newcastle

8. He Was (Somehow) Always A Gentleman

There's a bit of advice that's often given to people before they embark on their first date, and that's don't look at how they're treating you, look at how they're treating everyone else. He might be the most charming man in the world over dinner, but if he flips out at the waiter for getting the order wrong then it's a good chance it's all for show. Likewise, if you're looking for the character of a football manager don't listen to what he says to the fans or the press, but look at how he treats the officials. It's the 2nd of January 2001, and Sir Bobby stands in the dugout at White Hart Lane watching his new charges exchange haymakers with Tottenham, neither side really making any effort to block the punches and instead both just swinging wildly. They're currently trailing 1-2 after only half an hour, when a Spurs corner is headed towards goal, only to be parried away at close range by Nolberto Solano on the line. The whistle blew, a red card was produced, and a penalty was awarded. Incensed at the decision Robson flew over to the fourth official and made his objections to the decision known, continuing the discussion with the referee as they exited down the tunnel at half time. The game finished 4-2 to Spurs, with another two red cards and two penalties being awarded on a barmy night in North London. Post-match, the press asked a visibly irked Robson on this thoughts on the game, before eventually turning their questions to Solano, and how he could possibly have disagreed with the decision to punish a goal-line handball. Robson's answer somehow managed to be incensed and rambling, whilst at the same time entirely reasonable and non-threatening. A feat only he could possibly achieve. "I would like to smash the ball" he said calmly. "Not at that referee, but at another referee, and see if he could get out of the way of it".