Plenty of Newcastle United fans have responded on Twitter to the news that season ticket holders are entitled to a free half-season ticket.
With the club currently struggling for attendances – Sunday’s 2-1 win over Southampton had just 42,303 people through the gate – a free ticket to cover 10 home Premier League games will be offered to all season ticket holders, beginning from December 28.
According to BBC, the tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from Tuesday.
Despite it seeming a gesture of goodwill, there are plenty of supporters who are far from happy with the offer. If Twitter is anything to go by, many feel as if it is disrespectful to those who have turned up every week during difficult years under Mike Ashley, while those who have decided against not coming get rewarded through this scheme.
Do you get behind this idea from the club?
Yes
No
Below are a selection of fans who are pretty disappointed by the news, as you can tell by their responses below…
Had a season ticket for 29 years. Been on the 3/10 year deal since the beginning. Got well over 150 loyalty points and followed my team all over Europe. What do I get as a reward? 10 thousand tourists sat amongst us, for free, whilst my direct debit continues to be paid. #nufc
— Scott Hope (@therealhopey) December 10, 2019
Sad state of affairs
— Geoff Kay (@geoffasenna) December 10, 2019
Pfffft. The whole thing STINKS of desperation to fill seats… And it will be lapped up creating more decisiveness within the ranks. Game set and match to the Fatman.
— Lee Spoor (@LeeSpoor40) December 10, 2019
He’s had the current season ticket holders over and the loyalist ones like yourself must feel it extra hard. Totally agree with you, I give mine up in summer and I feel I was proved right now, it’s all about boosting his brand and not a gesture of good will.
— Stephen (@dustyrerds) December 10, 2019
I agree. This should have been done on a points base. Reward the the most loyal going down the list thereafter
— Simon Horn (@SimonHo91784269) December 10, 2019
It’s definitely not an act of kindness it brand protection for Sports Direct of Fraser FC. We are now completely Un-United.
— The E Wing Paddock (@speedypete68) December 10, 2019
Despite the lack of numbers at St James’, things are going pretty well on the pitch under Steve Bruce. In fact, at this stage, probably better than they were under Rafael Benitez, which is rather ironic considering that his departure is probably one of the main catalysts for people not turning up.
The Toon are currently 11th in the league after back-to-back wins and will try and extend that to three when they face Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.