Times have been rough at Newcastle lately, but Wor Flags’ displays often helped to create a tantalising atmosphere at St James’ Park even in the darkest of moments.
The fan group even travelled to Poland ahead of our final home game of the 2018/19 Premier League season to collect what could now be their final crowd surfing flag, which covered the whole of the Gallowgate End and cost £15,000 – which fans crowd-funded in just three weeks.
That may be Wor Flags last crowd surfer, though, as the fan group have announced that they will be ceasing operations until further notice, following the club’s confirmation that Rafa Benitez will not be signing a new contract.
While some supporters protested outside of St James’ Park in the aftermath of Benitez’s confirmed exit, Wor Flags wrote in a statement: “It is with disappointment that we announce we are on hiatus until further notice.
“It is heartbreaking knowing that the effort and commitment shown by our fans has once again been destroyed by this vile regime. Thank you Rafa Benitez for everything you have done. Adios Gaffa.”
When some Newcastle fans saw Wor Flags’ statement, many thanked the group for their efforts in helping to create a better atmosphere at our home games, while others suggested they should help with the protests.
A few of those suggestions stemmed from boycotting our home games next season to creating flags which would block supporters from entering the ground, while others included making an “S.O.S or a for sale sign”.
Here is a round-up of some of the best reactions…
Every self respecting #nufc fan should be on hiatus following this.
— Nath (@Nath_B89) June 24, 2019
Your displays are magnificent & I was proud to donate! We’re held hostage by an owner without the club’s success/supporters as priority. His only concern is a steady revenue stream propagated by loyal fans. Stepping back is something we all must do! #AshleyOut #IfRafaGoesWeGo
— Toon Army Denver (@milehighmagpies) June 24, 2019
I just wonder if Rafa going might speed up any takeover? The amount of abuse going Ashley’s way now should reach Biblical proportions. Even a thick skinned nowt like Cashley can’t enjoy that…
Straws. Clutching of..?#AshleyOut— Kenny Wharton sits on the ball (@Nolpecker) June 24, 2019
Thank you for everything lads.
During our best moments you emphasized the passion of our fans. You gave us a taster of our own potential.
Today, on our worst day, you remind us all about how this same potential has been snatched away from our grip once more.
— Elliot (@EllsJl) June 24, 2019
@worflags we will never forget this fantastic display you made to show football at its finest. Thank you so much for your support. Wishing you all the very best for the future at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/baF6U4lAGB
— United with Pride (@UtdwithPride) June 24, 2019
Just one more thing if you do produce a new flag please make it an S.O.S or a for sale sign
— Allan Mawson (@AllanMawson) June 24, 2019
Thats a shame, flags could have been an instrumental protest tool because let’s be hinest theres still gonna be 50k there come the new season as much as it hurts to say that. Completely understood though lads. Thanks for the graft.
— ben (@stidzmayyn) June 24, 2019
Hopefully you will put all of your efforts from now on to help promote and maybe even organise a total boycott of the club indefinitely until Ashley sells up.
Has to happen.
No going back. No anger falling away and go back to default mode.
Get him out. Now.#AshleyOut #nufc
— The Ginger Pirlo™️ (@TheGingerPirlo_) June 24, 2019
Perfect response. No flags, no protests, no support #StayAway
— Tommy Higgins (@TommyH89) June 24, 2019
Totally respect the decision, every fan should be on hiatus. Hopefully we’ll all see each other again in better times
— JdR Plays (@JDRGamingTV) June 24, 2019
So sad. My old buddy @CharlieMoJISC is coming to visit from the USA soon, American NUFC fan who’s never been to SJP. Was looking forward to showing him the flags and cheering on Rafa and the lads. I can’t believe this is happening. Fully support your stance though ???? w⚓️=????️????????
— Alex Lodge (@alexlodgemusic) June 24, 2019