Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media about a planned protest over the news Rafa Benitez will leave his role as the club’s manager.
The club’s official Twitter page released a statement confirming the news most Newcastle supporters were dreading, the 59-year-old will leave at the end of this week once his current contract expires.
The Times reported the club had offered Rafa a one-year extension but the Spaniard was unable to agree to the terms on offer. The proposed takeover has muddied the situation with the club left in a state of limbo until the buyout has been completed. The report also suggested that Benitez had an offer on the table from a club in China.
Newcastle could lose fans and vital income as the Twitter account If Rafa Goes We Go has declared they would not be purchasing season tickets or any official merchandise, the account has over 20,000 followers.
A fan group has called for a peaceful protest over the running of the club and specifically the departure of Rafa Benitez at the Sir Bobby Robson statue at 6 pm this evening (Monday). But some fans are going further and stating the supporters must boycott the games.
In response to requests from supporters we are calling for a peaceful protest over the running of the club and specifically the departure of Rafa Benitez at the Sir Bobby Robson statue at 6 pm this evening (Monday). Please RT
— The Magpie Group (@TheMagpieGroup_) June 24, 2019
BOYCOTT GAMES DONT STAND BY A STATUE
— ASHLEY OUT (@NUFC_UNITE) June 24, 2019
What’s the peaceful protests ever done? Rally around the ground and demand answers. Don’t go to games. Don’t buy ANY merch. Unfollow all social media. Cancel NUFCTV subs. Newcastle United isn’t a club for the people anymore, it’s Mike Ashley’s play thing.
— Sam Routledge (@Routledge_Sam) June 24, 2019
Rafa leaving, shola appointed for loan deals, Redfern u23’s & season ticket prices going up all seems to be Ashley’s re structuring of the club as he has no intention of selling up!
— C.J.H (@Jhardy17736187) June 24, 2019
Do you not think the time for peace is gone?
— Sandra Farn (@hockeymom41) June 24, 2019
What is the point in that??? He doesn’t have a sympathetic strand is his body. He feels money; let’s hit him where it hurts….
— Hepps (@Hepps9) June 24, 2019
I’m quite a gentle peaceful person but all this nice respectable protest malarkey gets us nowhere. It has to be aggressive and in your face albeit legal
— Gentle Geordie (@GentleGeordie) June 24, 2019
The stadium should remain empty for every match until Ashley is gone
— Charlie (@BeachnBoards) June 24, 2019
Oh aye because peaceful protests have worked a treat in the past
— Robert Brown (@rbrown172) June 24, 2019