*A joint statement from @AshleyOutdotcom, @TheMagpieGroup_, @IfRafaGoesWeGo, @EmptyForAshley, @NUFC360, @LondonMagpies, @Mike_Ashley_Out, @MaintainSjp, @NWestMagpies & @NUFCblogcouk*
Following 12 years of neglect and disrespect of our football club and the recent departure of Rafael Benitez as Newcastle United manager, many supporters feel they can no longer return to St James’ Park whilst Mike Ashley remains the current custodian. Consequently, many fans are of the view that the only way to put pressure on him to sell is through the active participation in boycotts and other forms of protest.
With many choosing to not renew their season tickets, and not attend games, it has come to light that local establishments could be affected by such actions of protest. Subsequently, NUFC fan groups have joined together to link in with the city’s bars, pubs and restaurants in an attempt to #SupportOurToon.
This campaign will consist of local establishments providing their support to either the cause by advertising the boycotts and/or by providing match day, ‘happy-hour’ type deals to entice fans away from St James’ Park. The idea being, that businesses that would usually be quiet during match time, will reap the benefits of those boycotting, rather than suffer as a consequence. This will work through increased custom and furthermore, turnover.
Support Our Toon isn’t only part of our protest against Mike Ashley – it exists as part of our collective’s commitment to support local businesses, local jobs – and the local economy as a whole. 63p of every £1 spent with
small businesses stays in our regional economy, we don’t believe the same can be said about money spent and Newcastle United under Mike Ashley’s ownership.
Mike Ashley doesn’t believe in supporting our region, or even acting in the interest of clubs where he is involved for that matter. A recent BBC report revealed that Ashley, who was a former minority shareholder in Rangers took 93p of every £1 made from the sale of strips and merchandise.
Thus far, the following bars have offered their support to the cause for the Arsenal game whilst others are supporting the movement with posters and leaflets being visible even if they cannot offer a ‘happy-hour’ type deal:
Spot White, 14-18 Stowell Street, NE1 4QX
Free pool subject to availability, bottles from £2.50 and shots from £1. Children are welcome.
Idols/Vaults, 15 Bigg Market, NE1 1UN
Bottles from £2, pints from £3, £3.50 double vodka and mixer. Adult entertainment.
The Hancock, 2A Hancock Street, NE2 4PU
£10 pitchers, 10% discount of food valid using this, or last year’s, season ticket. Entered into a raffle to win a signed NUFC football.
Sinners, 63 Newgate Street, NE1 5RF
3 bottles of Carlsberg/VK for £6 and £3.95 house trebles.
The North terrace, 23-26 North Terrace, Claremont Street, NE2 4AN
Normal menu instead of Sunday menu. Pizza and a pint for £8. 2 for £6 on select pints. ‘Half time madness’ deal – 50p off pints.
Filthys, 22-28 Bigg Market, NE1 1UW
Selected bottles at £1.50.
Players, The Gate, Newgate Street, NE1 5TG
2 pints for £5.95.
Don Vito’s, 86 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG
Pizza and a pint for £10 upon quoting “Support Our Toon” when ordering.
SupportOurToon endorsed by:
- @IfRafaGoesWeGo
- @EmptyForAshley
- @TheMagpieGroup_
- @AshleyOutDotCom
- @Mike_Ashley_Out
- @NUFC360
- @LondonMagpies
- @MaintainSJP
- @NWestMagpies
- @NUFCblogcouk
Fantastic look after your own not his pocket he’s not part of our community and never will be ashlie ooooot boycott boycott boycott boycott
Larry toon hants(Quote)
I respect the decision of the individual.
I’ve supported NUFC long enough to understand the arguments put by those who want to continue going to the games. But at the same time, I understand why people have had their fill with Ashley and won’t go back until he’s gone.
What I don’t like is the Bruce out stuff or negativity towards him and the players. Like them or not, they are who we have and they wear our badge. If they aren’t giving 100% by all means criticise – but slagging Bruce just coz he’s not Rafa is BS imo.
I think this article and campaign is very balanced and well done.
To those who choose not to go to the games. I’m sorry it’s come to that. I hope you find an alternative way of enjoying match days.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rubbish :
tom(Quote)
Here is just one, typical example of why this article is a load of bollocks.
All Ashely haters have jumped on the the Rangers 7p bandwagon without thinking it through at all.
Just because Rangers get 7p in the pound on all money going through the shop does not mean Ashley walks away with 93.
From the other 93p the rent for the shop is paid, electricity bills are paid and staff are paid.
Then there’s taxes of whatever kind you want to mention, and let’s not forget that Ashley is not actually an evil wizard, he can’t just magic the shirts out of nowhere, they have to be manufactured, transported and again tax pid on that.
Absolute garbage spouted by people desperate to be loved.
As for supporting local businesses, how desperate is that? If you visit a place that you’d never have gone into otherwise they’ll sell you stuff and make a profit from you. And you complain about Ashley?
Clueless. Absolutely clueless!
Brrrian(Quote)