Mike Ashley has caused friction with the Newcastle fanbase ever since he bought United, and his failure to agree a new contract with Rafa Benitez has brought about vivid anger from the St James’ Park faithful once more.
Supporters have been lambasting the Sports Direct owner since well before the club announced the Spaniard’s exit, and will likely continue to vent their frustrations well into the new campaign so long as he still owns our club.
Many have already spoken about potentially turning away from St James’ Park when the new term commences in August, as they look to show their displeasure in their droves by turning their back on the ground in protest of how Ashley is running the club.
St James’ Park welcomed close to a million supporters during the recently concluded Premier League season, with TransferMarkt noting 971,297 fans proceeded through the turnstiles for our 19 home fixtures – or at least bought tickets for the games – which was the seventh-most of any top-flight side.
Champions League Finalists Tottenham Hotspur and Europa League qualifiers Wolverhampton Wanderers both welcomed fewer numbers to their home games, in comparison, with Wolves selling out Molineux once for an average capacity crowd of 96.8% compared to our 97.7%.
Numbers of season tickets issued by Newcastle for the new season may be down, though, as fans have already been informing the club of their decision not to renew.
Loads of Magpies supporters have been reacting on social media lately on this matter, as well, as one fan shared that their father has opted against renewing his season ticket, having attended our home games since 1959, noting: “He’s finally broken.”
Dad and I bought our season tickets together in 1994. I cancelled in 2009 due to moving away and he’s kept going, alone, for 10 years. Today he stopped his direct debit and told #nufc he won’t be going back. Im stunned – he’s been going since 1959 and he’s finally broken.
— Helen Rudd (@helush) June 30, 2019
Here’s how these Newcastle fans reacted as another name opted against returning to St James’ Park…
Heartbreaking, I am in aa similar position. Nothing can fill the gap I will be back after he goes and now we are uniting as a fanbase it will come sooner rather than later
— keith rowell ogle (@oglekeith) June 30, 2019
What a shame loyal fans have been forced out by the parasite
— dave powton (@powdy23) June 30, 2019
We all feel just as deflated
— Steve McKenna (@SteveMcKenna_) June 30, 2019
I liked this post but hated doing it. Hopefully one day we will have our club back and the pantomime villain gets what is coming to him it’s only a matter of time. Hope your Dad is ok x
— Mark Todd (@yodasufo) June 30, 2019
Bless your Dad! He’s a true supporter of our club
— Andrew Marshall (@MagicWiggle) June 30, 2019
This tweet says it all, a sad day for our club. Be great if this story made the press. Hopefully one day soon he can return after this horrendous man leaves the club.
— Magpie in lincs (@Pete49311372) July 1, 2019
60 years, so sad that he has been driven away by the current regime.
— Rob. (@FootyFan2017) June 30, 2019
Mad. My dad’s right on the brink too. Think he wants to, and probably will, but think he’s finding it hard to do.
— Ian (@IanNUFC1983) June 30, 2019
Heartbreaking Helen. I’m putting off the conversation with my dad even though we’ve sat through day together. It’s devastating seeing and hearing stories of fans with 50/60 years match going being brought to this. I want my club back.
— Chris (@BlaydonRacer) June 30, 2019
More people need to be like your dad Helen, coz the only way to hurt FCB is in the cheque book, it’s breaks my heart not going to SJP but enough is enough #AshleyOut
— Diggler (@Slimshadyno1fan) July 1, 2019
My dad and I got a season ticket when I was 8, 26 years ago when gallowgate was rebuilt. Names still on bottom of our seats… we’ve just cancelled out direct debit – crushing to do. But we’ve finally been worn down. Rafa the final straw.
— Stuart Stone (@Stubertstone) July 1, 2019