Despite a late appeal, it’s been confirmed today that Islam Slimani WILL face a three-match ban for violent conduct – and Newcastle fans since have made some interesting comments about the striker, explaining why he hasn’t been as useless as some are suggesting.
There’s a case being made that he’s actually paid his loan fee by playing a big part in our winning goals against Huddersfield and Arsenal – two wins that earned us an extra 4 points and perhaps an extra position or two in the table (worth £1.9m per place).
Given the £2m loan fee paid and the alleged £80,000 wage packet he brought with him, he’s cost a staggering £28,000 per minute and £2.5m per 90 minutes of football – but, to many’s surprise, there’s a case being made by several NUFC fans that he’s actually been *quite* useful.
Here’s what some supporters have said about his time at the club following today’s confirmation that his season (and NUFC career) is over:
Slimani was hardly a waste of a signing. Even ignoring the two winning goals he was involved in his signing lifted the gloom of the transfer window and gave Gayle a kick up the ****, which led to a good run of form to see us safe.
— Novocastrian (@Nuovocastrian) May 3, 2018
Lots of criticism for Islam Slimani for his loan spell at #NUFC but he made two big contributions at SJP in crucial games vs. Huddersfield and Arsenal to help secure a crucial 6pts. Daft kick out at Dawson, & he'll likely not be signed permanently, but there's been worse loanees.
— Kevin Doocey (@KevinDoocey) May 1, 2018
Slimani was involved in the winning goals against Huddersfield and Arsenal at home. 6 points. Safety.
So, unless his loan costs #nufc £100 million, that's decent value for money.
— Paul Graham (@svenadultbooks) May 1, 2018
Slimani played a part in winning goal v huddersfield and v arsenal which kept us up. worth the loan fee #NUFC
— KDLToon (@Toon_KDL) May 1, 2018
Incredibly disappointing end to Islam Slimani's Newcastle career. Responsible for his own actions, just as Mitrovic is, but on reflection he influenced wins Vs both H'field & Arsenal. Did the job he was brought to do.
— Adam West (@adamswest_) May 1, 2018
After arriving with a thigh injury (which turned out to be more serious than first anticipated), he’s played just 131 minutes of football in just over 3 months and won’t kick a ball for us again this season after his ban, so, in general, he’s been a big disappointment, but it’s actually a reasonable argument here.
Where do you stand on it all folks? Are some people clutching at straws here or is this a valid point?
