Newcastle fans display a banner in protest to Mike Ashley’s handling of the club.
Newcastle United legend Tino Asprilla has applauded Toon fans for a banner displayed at St. James’ Park on Wednesday in protest against owner Mike Ashley.
Fans, along with manager Rafa Benitez, have become increasingly frustrated that the owner has failed to back the Spaniard in the transfer market this season – both in the summer and throughout January.
Newcastle managed to secure three loan deals, two of which came on deadline day, in the form of Leicester City striker Islam Slimani, Chelsea left-footer Kenedy and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka from Sparta Prague.
Toon fans held a banner before kick-off that said: “Don’t ever give up on your club. Keep supporting it. It’s your club and trust me, one day you will get your club back and it will be everything you wanted it to be.
“Newcastle United is bigger than anyone. It hurts, I know. But just keep going. He [Ashley] is only one man, we are a city. A whole population. Trust me.”
Toon icon Asprilla reacted on Twitter after seeing the banner displayed before the Magpies’ 1-1 draw against Burnley in the Premier League, stating “great job” to the Newcastle fans before describing Ashley as an “ignorant owner.”
Newcastle saw bids rejected for Nicolai Jorgensen, while the club were beaten by West Brom to Daniel Sturridge’s signature. A whole host of other players were linked, but the Toon failed to nab any other players than the three loanees.
Benitez’s side should have won all three points against Burnley after hitting the post and missing a penalty, but instead they drew and sit level on points with Brighton, Stoke and Huddersfield – just one point above the drop zone.
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