'Read the riot act' - Campbell reacts to 'freak' Newcastle cup defeat against Brentford

The Championship side denied Steve Bruce’s men a place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a 1-0 win courtesy of a Josh DaSilva strike.

The result leaves the Magpies winless in their last three matches across all competitions, and means that the club’s half-century wait for a notable piece of silverware goes on.

Appearing on Sky Sports News’ Football Show, the former Arsenal striker was asked whether it was reasonable to suggest that the Magpies should not be beaten by a second-tier outfit in the quarter-final of a domestic cup competition.

He replied: “100%. That is a fair comment.

"But it is the cup, and you know these freak results do happen.

"Obviously Steve Bruce has probably read the riot act to the team, and they know how much it means to the fanbase. You don’t ever want it to happen, you don’t ever want to lose this game against a Championship side because all that does is create even more pressure on the football club and the team and the manager.

"It’s a never say never again, die-hard attitude for the team, but what happens? They go out and they don’t get over the line.

"I think Brentford had the outstanding player on the pitch in DaSilva last night, who came up with the goods and scored the goal, and proved to be the difference.

"I just don’t think Newcastle played well enough. They’ve not played well enough to beat a buoyant Brentford right now.”