Following the formation of ‘The Magpie Group’ – a network of NUFC supporter groups – it has emerged that Newcastle fans will now be ‘protesting in numbers’ at Northumberland Street’s Sports Direct before our opening day of the season clash with Spurs.
This is set to be the first of many protests after yet another frustrating summer for Rafa Benitez and, although nothing has been confirmed as of yet, it’s likely that these protests will continue both inside and outside the ground next Saturday.
There have been some lows since Mike Ashley bought Newcastle United; from renaming the ground to appointing Joe Kinnear, or our two relegations. He has never been popular and rightly so but over the last few weeks it really feels like fans have finally reached their tipping point. Rafa Benitez represents hope and a chance of something better, so constantly undermining him and driving him out is the final straw for NUFC fans.
Over the last few weeks, new groups have formed such as ‘if Rafa goes we go’, designed to try and create ways to drive Ashley out. It is hard to organise sustained action, so it is good news that they have joined forces with other groups like Ashley out, under one umbrella called ‘The Magpie Group.’ They have released some statements over the last few days via social media to outline their intentions. If you haven’t seen them, see what you make of it;
(1/4) Whilst The Magpie Group is still in its infancy, things certainly took a turn last night following Rafa’s quotes. We are currently in the process of arranging a public meeting for all who wish to attend to put across plans. #AshleyOut #NUFC #EnoughIsEnough #IfRafaGoesWeGo
— The Magpie Group (@TheMagpieGroup_) August 2, 2018
(2/4) We are aware of plans being finalised by @AshleyOutdotcom & @IfRafaGoesWeGo to protest in numbers at the Sports Direct store on Northumberland Street on the first day of the season. More details to follow. #AshleyOut #NUFC #IfRafaGoesWeGo #EnoughIsEnough
— The Magpie Group (@TheMagpieGroup_) August 2, 2018
(3/4) We can’t stress enough that this group is INCLUSIVE to all. Once a date is agreed for a public meeting, please do all you can to attend. It’s crucial we are all together now. #AshleyOut #NUFC #EnoughIsEnough #IfRafaGoesWeGo
— The Magpie Group (@TheMagpieGroup_) August 2, 2018
(4/4) The group has a lot of experience and has already met with Rangers supporters to discuss actions that they took and are looking to implement similar. #AshleyOut #IfRafaGoesWeGo #NUFC #EnoughIsEnough
— The Magpie Group (@TheMagpieGroup_) August 2, 2018
With the mess the owner has created, things could get messy at the opening game and I have also seen some people debate what the best form of protest is. It has to be consistent and attack his interests, which isn’t Newcastle United but rather Sports Direct. As fans, we don’t have many options and walking out of games is one of the limited options we have. We all love the team and want to support the players but we need to do something.
We essentially have 12 months until Rafa will walk out at the end of his contract, or less at this rate as his patience is tested. Hope will also walk out the door at that point so the clock is ticking. United action, however unnatural it may seem to not go to games, is our best hope. Ideas like carrying DW Sports banners to games have been mentioned, or disrupting Ashley’s Sports Direct stores.
The opening game is on Sky so it is a great chance to send a message and let the world know just what a mess he has put us in. Give the Magpies a follow; people argue it might be futile but it is worth a try and we can’t achieve anything if we don’t do it in numbers.
the only thing that can be effective is if we all start hurting the SD shops over the world! That’s the only thing Ashley cares about. If we don’t sign anyone decent until the start of the season, I’m planning to damage goods in the SD shop in my area. Maybe more people should do the same and than he might lose more than he wants.
DESTROY SPORTS DIRECT and we might be able to force Ashley into action. Boycotting games will be less effective as we’ll be the laughing stock once more..
sd wrecker(Quote)