“Ugliest player in the Championship” - Newcastle hero relentlessly mocked following announcement

Newcastle fans in the Transfer Tavern are accusing their Championship rivals of envy, following the division’s Player of the Year award nominations.

The Magpies striker has made it onto the official shortlist for the Championship’s Player of the Year award, alongside Leeds United counterpart Chris Wood and Brighton winger Anthony Knockaert.

Many sections of the Tavern believe the nomination is more than justified; the 26-year-old front-man has netted 21 times already this season and has often kept Newcastle’s title bid alive when they’ve struggled to perform in difficult games.

But not everybody is so convinced, in no small part due to the fact the former Crystal Palace forward has made only 23 Championship starts this term due to injury problems. Including substitute appearances, he’s missed more than a quarter of the Toon’s league fixtures.

Consequentially, Gayle’s nomination has created some debate in the Tavern and online, whilst others – perhaps rather cruelly – have simply suggested the former non-league man is incredibly ugly. Charming.

Here’s a look at some of the meanest responses to Gayle’s nomination from Twitter…

@bet365 Dwight Gayle wins the ugliest player in the Championship

— Daniel Fieldhouse (@Fieldhouse7) March 27, 2017

Just realised who Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle reminds me of. pic.twitter.com/DXTCByvIFJ

— Wayne Wellwood (@OriginalDeputy) March 27, 2017

Crease at Dwight Gayle being nominated for player of the season despite missing almost 35% of the games. What a league

— Ryan (@Cairns955) March 27, 2017

How can Dwight Gayle get player of season when he was injured for a bit of it? Daft.

— dave (@Davee8989) March 27, 2017

@EFL @SkyBetChamp @LUFC @officialcwood @dwightgayle @NUFC Do you mean player of 7/8’s of the season????

— Samuel Brown (@sammyb9999ipad1) March 27, 2017