Furious Newcastle fans stage ‘Ashley Out’ protest at St James’ Park after club announce Rafa Benitez’s exit
OUTRAGED Newcastle fans have been staging “Ashley Out” protests at St James’ Park after popular manager Rafa Benitez was ousted without being told.
Supporters labelled the manner of Benitez’s exit as “cowardly”, a “joke” and an “absolute disgrace” – particularly as it emerged the Spaniard was keen to stay.
Fans’ long-running frustration with club owner Mike Ashley hit a new peak as they gathered outside the stadium holding posters and a large placard saying: “19th richest club in the world… Where has the money gone?”
One Toon follower summed up the mood with this tweet: “Just when you think Ashley couldn’t get any worse, he treats one of the best managers we’ve had in a very long time like this.
“Absolute disgrace, the club is a shambles and if he is still here next season, we are done.”
Another post read: “If true, and I have no reason to doubt it, an absolutely cowardly act. Typical of this shambolic owner and minions. Disgrace.”
SunSport revealed how Newcastle put out a statement saying Benitez would depart when his contract runs out on Sunday.
But the announcement is thought to have been a big shock to the former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager.
He had urged Magpies bosses to give him more control over transfers – and was still hoping Ashley and Co would compromise.
But instead Newcastle abruptly announced the 59-year-old’s exit so they could have more time looking for his successor.
Now, after taking the Toon back up to the Premier League and into mid-table comfort last season, stunned Benitez will consider a dramatic change in his managerial career.
The ex-Inter Milan and one-time interim Chelsea chief is weighing up an offer from Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang.
Newcastle fans were amazed by the stark way Benitez parted ways.
Most Read in Football
One tweeted: “Classy. Very classy” while a similar sentiment was: “How to treat club icons, by Mike Ashley.”
Another said: “MIke Ashley doesn’t deserve Rafa.”
And this post showed the exasperation of many: “Seriously not surprised f***ing joke of a club…”