A large number of Newcastle United supporters have been reacting with negativity to the news that Mike Ashley will take Rafael Benitez, his staff and players out for dinner this week.
The Mail reported on Monday that the Magpies owner will foot the bill for a meal with the aim of building bridges after the team’s dreadful start to the season.
Ashley was in attendance for the team’s 2-0 defeat against Leicester on Saturday, and the Newcastle fans are less than pleased with his dinner idea.
Nothing But Newcastle has rounded up some of the best tweets below.
And will tatman have a lightbulb moment and agree to do what Rafa wants in January and beyond?
Nah, I don’t think so either – just weasel words, he lies and lies and lies….
That’s what tatman does— Lucy (@dunelmcuths) October 1, 2018
Are you sure they are not going here for a pizza? pic.twitter.com/MhFLs2zjII
— Paul Dowling (@dowlo100) October 1, 2018
Ashley latest PR stunt should of met Rafa sooner.
— Dave Saunders (@DaveSau19811995) October 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/SteveMc_64/status/1046707183650578432
Doubt Rafa will believe a word he says though. 😟
— Christine Hearne (@christinesusanh) October 1, 2018
Is he saying goodbye?
— Carlos mcvay🇸🇦🦓⚫⚪🐶⚽30 (@mcvaycarl) September 30, 2018
#AshleyDinnerDate Rafa has been told he has to sell his main before being able to order a desert
— Tom (@Tommy_Jackson9) September 30, 2018
Dinner unfortunately doesn’t address a fundamental issue that Ashley says one thing but does another where #nufc is concerned. Actions speak louder than weasel words and Ashley’s speak volumes. Example: pic.twitter.com/BwB0HOQ0Ob
— GeordieRadge (@GeordieRadge) September 30, 2018
I’ve heard it all now wound if been better spending it in the January window & NOT for dinner it’s getting embarrassing this
— John Sinclair (YT)⚫️⚪️ (@john_nufc42) September 30, 2018
OPINION
This is pretty much the reaction that everyone was expecting from Newcastle fans to this news. Everything Ashley does, other than sell the club, is going to be greeted with condemnation from the Magpies supporters, and this incident is no different. You can see the fans’ point that Ashley barely spends money in the transfer window but yet he’s happy to take the entire playing squad out for dinner. Obviously football players cost a bit more than a meal out but it doesn’t paint a good picture of the owner when he fails to back his manager in the transfer window but then does this. There’s surely not a soul on Tyneside who believes anything regarding Ashley anymore and that’s what we’re seeing here. Most supporters clearly view this as a publicity stunt from the owner rather than any genuine attempt to build bridges with the manager. Perhaps Benitez will request January funds at this meeting, but Ashley is unlikely to adhere to the Spaniard’s wishes.
