Loads of Newcastle supporters have been reacting on social media after fan group Wor Flags made one final tribute to Rafa Benitez, on the last day of the Spaniard’s United contract.
The former Real Madrid, Liverpool, and Napoli boss officially left his duties as head coach of the Magpies on Sunday, June 30, after Mike Ashley and Managing Director Lee Charnley failed to reach an agreement with the 59-year-old that would see the Champions League winner enter a fourth full campaign in charge at St James’ Park.
Wor Flags had already announced that they would be ceasing operations until further notice due to the Spaniard’s exit, as “the effort and commitment shown by our fans has once again been destroyed by this vile regime.”
Supporters have refused to take Benitez’s exit lightly, either, with many lambasting Ashley for his failure to offer the gaffer the assurances he was after during contract negotiations.
Wor Flags, themselves, have not slipped into the shadows without bidding a final farewell to the 59-year-old, as they took to St James’ Park on Sunday to unfurl their iconic Benitez flag just below the offices at the ground.
The fan group later shared a snap of their flag hanging at St James’ Park with the caption: “Rafa’s last day as manager of Newcastle United. It’s ridiculous that it has come to this.”
When these Magpies supporters then saw their Benitez tribute, this is how they reacted…
Thanks for everything @rafabenitezweb ????
Great work @worflags ????????— Kirsty Marshall (@Missnufc85) June 30, 2019
Sad times. He’s only ever wanted #nufc as an advertising vehicle. Rafa wanted it to be a football club, it was obviously never going to work.
— Richard Yeatman (@RichardYeatman) June 30, 2019
This is going to sound odd….but maybe if people were in favour you could some how give Rafa that flag as a gift….
— Nufc4life (@Nufc08) June 30, 2019
Hope you’ve one the size of the Gallowgate End planned for when the FCB does finally sell up. I’ve some ideas for the wording!
— highroller (@andymould10) June 30, 2019
Absolutely 100% behind your decision no to do anymore displays whilst Ashley is in charge.
It’s an absolute travesty that one of our top 3 managers has been allowed to leave like this. The guy is an absolute legend and a great bloke I’m still numb that he is gone. #Ashleyout— Paul Oxley (@Pauloxley3) June 30, 2019
Great effort lads ????????????
— Darren Holden (@krultobekind) June 30, 2019
Well done chaps, such a sad day
— Ashley-Out (@CheekyTOON24) June 30, 2019
You guys do amazing job in representing majority of nufc fans’ thoughts and feelings in fantastic displays you create,very very well done and thankyou????
— ScottOg75 (@Mogitez75) June 30, 2019
Excellent Done a good job with all the flags but as a finale you should have done one of Ashley sticking two fingers to the fans and draped it over the balcony.
— Brian Huddart (@Doomlordster) June 30, 2019
Take a bow. You have done a sterling job ????????????????????????
— Dave Cavens (@CavensDave) June 30, 2019
Well done but just look how manky the ground is man. Falling to bits
— Liam willis (@Liamwillis21) June 30, 2019
We should have been building a statue of Rafa in years to come. Yet this is Mike Ashley’s #nufc ????
— Shane Kearley (@srkearley) June 30, 2019