Tim Ream explains 'embarrassing' Ryan Sessegnon penalty decision

Tim Ream says it was not his decision to take a late penalty in Fulham's win over Newcastle and deny Ryan Sessegnon a hat-trick.

Fulham were 3-1 up in second-half injury-time at St James' Park when Sessegnon was fouled in the box.

Having scored twice in the match already, the 16-year-old had an opportunity to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.

However, it was Ream who took the penalty instead, and subsequently missed.

The incident led to USA international Ream being criticised on social media, but he took to Twitter to defend himself.

"Not my decision folks, was completely prepared to have Sess take it. Embarrassing nonetheless. Manager took the decision," he wrote.

"Cheers for the kind words though. Shouldn't take away from the great team performance away from home!! We go again Tuesday!!!"

The win sees Fulham maintain their play-off bid in the Sky Bet Championship as they inflicted a first league defeat in 10 on leaders Newcastle.

Tom Cairney netted in the first half for the visitors before Sessegnon scored twice in eight minutes after the break.

"We played very good football and we tried to win the game," said Fulham manager Slavisa Jokanovic. "With our style, we move the ball and we had control. We were more clinical.

"I believe at the end my team deserved the result. It is a great step for us, everything is open, although some teams have more points than what we have right now."