These are very trying times to be a Newcastle United fan. The scars of Rafael Benítez’s exit are still open, and Mike Ashley still reigns supreme – a nightmare scenario in real life. The Magpies’ performance against Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, though, did nothing to alleviate that. In front of their own fans, Steve Bruce’s side played out a 0-0 draw against a relegation rival, dominated from the first whistle. The sense of apathy amongst the Toon faithful was palpable across St James’ Park. Now, with the fans’ boycott taking shape, Newcastle United supporters could be left at a crossroads if their performances continue to suffer.
St James’ Park Boycott Could Leave Newcastle United Fans at a Crossroads
A Fortress of Solitude
Around 43,316 people attended Newcastle’s bore draw against Brighton, their lowest league attendance in eight years. Finally, the fight against Mike Ashley is gaining traction. However, this could have an adverse effect on Newcastle’s performances should attendances continue to drop, and Ashley knows this. If he has tried to sell the club as many times as he has, then he clearly doesn’t care enough to take it forward, but this method will mean the fans suffer in the short term in the hope that it hurts Ashley later.
Realistically, fans boycotting games at this level doesn’t impact the club as much financially as it used to. As long as Newcastle are safe with their stream of TV revenue, then Ashley will happily look on as fans flock away. The club’s performances in the league will have to suffer enough for relegation to happen. Only then will Ashley realise the hole that will be left in his pocket.
St James’ Park is evidently a tense place these days, and without this ’12th man’, performances could get even worse than against Brighton. Newcastle had only 29% of the possession against the Seagulls. Even Watford, thrashed 8-0 by Manchester City managed more than that (31%). It was only when Andy Carroll made his return that the fans had something to cheer for. After his introduction, things looked brighter, Newcastle no longer found themselves penned inside their defensive third. Brighton endured several Newcastle attacks in the closing stages, and the influence of the crowd was plain to see.
Stick or Twist?
If the boycott at Newcastle continues to grow, their results will likely suffer. Fans are the substance to a football club, even with all the money in the game nowadays. The fans who have stayed will see more performances like that against Brighton, and will surely be fed up. There will come a time when fans must realise that they have a key part in their club’s short term future. Even if the side finish above the relegation zone – what many claim to be Ashley’s priority – eventually someone with adequate funds will come along to finally save the club.
The fastest way to oust Ashley from the club may well be via his wallet, but there will be some necessary suffering en route. It is a truly sad state of affairs, that fans find themselves forced away from their club, just to try and liberate it. Soon, though, fans must decide between the role they want to play for both Newcastle’s present and its future.
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