In DEFENCE of Newcastle fans
It is not often you read an article in support of Newcastle United supporters but I felt a need to add my thoughts, given the latest round of media bashing that the Toon Army has faced this week. They just can’t seem to get enough of sticking the knife in, with their cheap shots and slights. I don’t want to drag out or assess the failings of club ownership in the past 15 years in this article, but instead focus on the real victims of this piece – the supporters.
It never ceases to amaze me the negativity the neutral has for Newcastle supporters. The Toon Army are continually baited by rivals who accuse them of being dreamers, over ambitious and in serious need of a reality check over illusions of grandeur. What is the crime in wanting your football club to show ambition and succeed, especially when the supporters have already witnessed title challenges, cup finals and some famous Champions League nights? It is worth pointing out that some of the chief baiters are club supporters who have very little to shout about themselves, and who could only dream to have experienced some of the games and occasions that the Toon Army have been involved with. Perhaps they take comfort in seeing another team suffer, as it gives them an excuse to stop worrying about the plight of their sorry teams. I am a big believer that you should look at your own shop, before criticising others.
What really grates me is the picture the media paints about Newcastle and their supporters. In light of Alan Pardew’s appointment I have read many columns criticising the supporters for showing such outrage over the decision to axe Chris Hughton and that supporters have far too much influence over the running of the football club. If that is the case, which I seriously doubt given Ashley’s past actions, then why shouldn’t they protest given that ultimately they contribute to paying the wages of the players and staff, not to mention holding their football club dear to their hearts? Should they just sit back and allow this to happen without a whimper? It is surely a sad state of affairs if the media believe that they should. Maybe they could focus their attentions on some proper reporting for a change, rather than looking to discredit a set of passionate supporters whose only crime is wanting to see the best for their football club.