Loads of Newcastle fans have been reacting on social media after club legend Alan Shearer unleashed a scathing attack on the lack of official communication coming from the club over Rafa Benitez’s future and the proposed takeover by the Bin Zayed Group.
The club has now confirmed that Benitez will be leaving United when his contract expires at the end of the month, but before the announcement was made, reports began to emerge suggesting club chiefs were beginning to identify managers who could replace the 59-year-old, according to the Times.
It was claimed there had been a complete breakdown of trust between the Champions and Europa League winning head coach and owner Mike Ashley, and that situation made it impossible for Benitez to continue his tenure at St James’ Park into a fourth season.
As for the takeover, The Sun reported earlier in the month that talks with Sheikh Khaled Bin Zayed al Nahyan were progressing well, and that the Dubai-based Bin Zayed Group had provided the Premier League with proof of funds. And yet, there was no official statement at the time by either the club or the Premier League.
The daily newspaper also claimed the Bin Zayed Group’s £350million takeover could be completed by the end of the month.
Shearer, though, feels the lack of communication has been nothing short of embarrassing.
Writing in his column for The Sun, he wrote: “What the hell is going on at Newcastle United Football Club?
“It looks complete and utter chaos, and the lack of communication from the club is embarrassingly bad. Their world-class manager can walk away in a week’s time for nothing. But the only thing official we have heard from the club this summer is, ‘We are putting season ticket prices up five per cent’ and ‘This is our new home kit’.
“Why can’t anyone come out and say what the situation is with Rafa Benitez, as well as the proposed takeover, instead of just saying ‘no comment’? Where is the respect for the thousands and thousands of loyal fans? There is not a jot of thought for them, even though they are the lifeblood of that football club.
“They have been there a lot longer than Mike Ashley – and will be there long after he has gone. So inform them if their manager is staying or going, instead of informing them of increased season ticket prices and new kits. They deserve so much better, as they are the best fans in the country.
“Nothing surprises me at Newcastle any more. But for the club to stay silent and seemingly let someone as talented and as special as Benitez leave for free, it really is a terrible situation.”
Here’s how these Newcastle fans have been reacting to Shearer’s comments…
Maybe the club has already been sold and they’re just waiting for the 14 day cooling off period to be over before they announce ???????????? #NUFC
— Gavlar Chard™ (@GavChard) June 24, 2019
The wall of silence around the club concerning Rafa and the possible takeover is shocking and the contempt this club shows for its fans is embarrassing. #NUFC
— Matt (@jumpytiny) June 24, 2019
Lack of communication? Try deception. You might want to focus on that and the rest of the underhand activity by a court proven liar.
— Davey Brown (@DaveyBrownArt) June 24, 2019
Be careful Alan he will turn your box into a mini sports direct shop if you keep hammering him like that ????. Couldn’t agree more with you Alan I wish we could go back in time and have a owner like sir John or Freddy Shepard. We’ve got a guy that treats us with contempt! #nufc
— Paul Oxley (@Pauloxley3) June 24, 2019
I sincerely hope it’s because of NDA anything else would be a total disregard for us fans!
— Stewart Hunter (@HunterHotdog10) June 24, 2019
Well said Alan 100% spot on????
I’m absolutely sick of the way this once great club is run by Ashley. He is destroying all hope and optimism by the treatment of Rafa. It comes to something when the manager is your hero now and not a player! #nufc— Paul Oxley (@Pauloxley3) June 24, 2019
This is the difference. Honesty because he is not on Ashleys payroll. Shearer knows what a disaster this is. Ashley hasto go and the fanbase needs to unite agsinst him, irrespective of whether Rafawas your cup of tea or not.
— Nufc42 (@nufc42) June 24, 2019
Think @alanshearer speaks for us all… pic.twitter.com/7OdM5yUKPz
— NUFC 360 (@NUFC360) June 24, 2019
Listen to @alanshearer and start to treat us with respect. pic.twitter.com/aqvVI65llh
— If Rafa Goes We Go (@IfRafaGoesWeGo) June 24, 2019
This really is like watching the long slow painful death of a loved one who has lost the ability to communicate!!! @nufc #nufc
— Kevin Hunter (@KevinHunter2408) June 24, 2019
Utter shambles , this club just does not deserve this turmoil
— Gus (@Gustoon) June 24, 2019