Former Man City star's brutal Dan Burn reaction after Newcastle United held by Luton Town

Michah Richards sympathised with Dan Burn after Newcastle United were held by Luton Town but questioned whether he is good enough for a Champions League side.

Hatters winger Chiedozie Ogbene ran the defender ragged at St James’ Park, with Burn being hooked by Eddie Howe on 64 minutes. That was following a moment of madness when the Blyth-born defender pulled Ogbene to the ground.

Referee Thomas Bramall initially gave a free-kick before VAR intervened and revealed the contact had continued into the box. Speaking post-match, Howe shielded Burn from criticism - pointing towards his previous heroics in a black and white shirt.

“When you're in my shoes you have more than one thing to focus on so it's never that clear cut (why Burn was not subbed earlier),” Howe said. “Luton are a really big team, we knew set plays would be a huge threat so we had to cover that as well. 

“It's not just one discipline. We conceded the first goal from a set play. Dan, for me, has been absolutely outstanding since arriving at the football club and he played a huge part in a brilliant season last year with an excellent defensive record. I thought he was magnificent at Aston Villa and a big part of why we played so well.”

Now former Manchester City and England defender Richards has hinted at Newcastle possibly needing to move on from Burn. Despite that, he did highlight how the 31-year-old was given minimal support from midfield.

“They were disjointed, especially in those wide areas,” Richards told Match of the Day. “(Chiedozie) Ogbene and Burn… he (Burn) had a difficult time down that side. We all know Burn isn’t the fastest but he needs help from his wingers.

“Either get tight or drop off. He doesn’t do either but he does need help. It happened so many times within the game. We know how Newcastle want to play, they want to be expansive but he needs somebody there.

“Burn has done well but, today, he was very isolated. It’s just not good enough. You’re talking about a team that was playing Champions League football.”