Loads of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting on social media after fan group Toon For Change urged the club to suspend season ticket direct debit payments.
The group – formed with the objective of forcing Mike Ashley to sell the club – believe it would come as nice gesture to those committed to following the Toon if they were not forced to hand over sums during a “national emergency”.
The coronavirus pandemic has already resulted in widespread redundancies up and down the country, with businesses and their employees hit hard by the impact of the outbreak.
In a statement shared on Twitter, Toon For Change said: “We urgently call on Newcastle United to suspend all season ticket direct debits. Fans should not be expected to pay whilst the country faces a national emergency.
“Thousands of fans have lost their income and suspending season ticket direct debits will give some relief in these difficult times.”
It has been reported that while many who pay for their season ticket by direct debit will have already paid the final instalment for their 2019/20 admission, a few have already begun paying their fees for the 2020/21 campaign.
Few supporters believe the club will answer Toon For Change’s plea regarding suspending future payments, though, especially after Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group attempted to remain open despite the UK entering a lockdown.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to Toon For Change’s statement on Twitter…
What is even is the point in calling for Mike Ashley to do this? He tried keeping sports direct open. https://t.co/vrmChjdriX
— Sean Chater (@nufcsean) March 24, 2020
Froze mine last summer mate. For good.
— Alan_G_Shaw (@Alan_G_Shaw) March 24, 2020
Not gonna happen, but Ashley’s antics over the last 24 hours might be the straw that broke the camels back and may turn the whole country against him!! 🤞
— David Hollows (@dhollows1) March 24, 2020
Best of luck with that but unfortunately I think we all know the answer
— Michael Bradley (@MBradley70) March 24, 2020
I asked the club this question on here last week, got no reply!
— Kevin Ivey 🏴🏳🏴 (@KevIvey85) March 24, 2020
If anyone still puts money in Ashley’s pocket after this they should be named and shamed.
— iany (@icliff_iany) March 24, 2020
Get a grip, just cancel your direct debit.
— david w henderson (@dwhendo) March 24, 2020
After witnessing Ashley’s behaviour over the last 24 hours I very much doubt #nufc will do anything proactive to support fans. They will only operate reactively and if forced. The man is an utter disgrace. I wish u well with this campaign. #ashleyout
— Malcolm (@mrhbeats) March 24, 2020
It’s Mike Ashley – After his stunt over the last 24 hours he has shown that he does not give a damn about anyone other than himself.
— Jason Miller (@rough_justice76) March 24, 2020
This should be a lesson for all if he doesn’t suspend season tickets just don’t renew them, it may be difficult as many have been going for years but it’s what MA deserves https://t.co/87qNsmj4Ux
— Yasif (@19yas82) March 24, 2020
In other Newcastle United news, the club have been given a free path to sign a 29-cap international this summer.