Newcastle United owners’ contentious post-match statements on Twitter – MY POSITIVE REPLY 54 MINUTES AGO 10 COMMENTSHARE
Newcastle United owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi’s post-match tweets on Saturday (and Jamie Reuben’s subsequent follow-up tweet) urging Toon fans for better support drew a backlash from many supporters.
These are the Tweets in question, in case you haven’t seen them.
Mehrdad Ghodoussi on Twitter after the 4-1 win over Chelsea – 25 November 2023:
“What a team.
“NUFC we need to give these guys more support in the stadium, we need to be louder, we need to be the 12th man.”
Jamie Reuben then replying to the Mehrdad Ghodoussi Tweet – 25 November 2023:
“What a team and yes we need to match the intensity of the players with our support.”
We all admire and respect what Newcastle United’s owners have already accomplished, and we shall be eternally thankful.
I’ve been attending the Cathedral of the Hill for over 35 years, and I’ve seen both fantastic and not-so-great moments. One constant has been the emotion, whether it’s the pure ecstasy of the Keegan and Robson era or the irritation with former Newcastle United owners we’d rather not mention.
My positive response to what the Newcastle United owners have put out, is to suggest these five ways to improve the atmosphere at St James’ Park:
The initial step toward improving the ambiance involves tackling the problem of third-party ticket resellers. It’s crucial to prevent St James Park from simply becoming another Premier League hotspot for tourists, similar to what has happened with certain other clubs. It’s disheartening to witness tickets being sold at incredibly high prices with a basic online search. The club has recognized this issue and is presently looking into it. While completely halting the sale of tickets by third-party sellers might be unfeasible, it’s vital to limit it, particularly from those linked to rival clubs. The responsibility of the ticket office is pivotal in achieving this goal.
Another method to enrich the atmosphere is by promptly establishing the Strawberry Place Fan Zone. Comparable fan zones have proven successful for Toon supporters at venues like Wembley and more recently, at Dortmund. These zones create an engaging setting for the upcoming matches, featuring a DJ playing a fantastic playlist, a top-notch sound system, and brief interviews with past and present legends. Personally, I am eagerly anticipating the opening of the Strawberry Place Fan Zone before the season concludes.
Managing the expectations of supporters is also crucial. At the onset of Eddie’s tenure, every victory was celebrated as if it were a championship final. However, it’s important to recognize that we frequently face some of the world’s best club teams midweek, which can take a toll on the squad when followed by a league game a few days later. Acknowledging that we are ahead of the curve requires patience and understanding from the fans.
Numerous individuals eagerly desire a season ticket, but unfortunately, membership holders must participate in a ballot for the opportunity to purchase one. The ticket office might consider offering an alternative for those passionate about supporting the Toon near a vocal section while also seeking a vantage point for analyzing the game.
Furthermore, the implementation of safe standing has notably enhanced the atmosphere. However, there remains an issue with people being asked to remain seated in various sections. One suggestion could be to designate the entire front and back section of the Gallowgate stand as a standing area and expand level 7 around the corner to establish dedicated singing sections.
Similar to many others, I still feel a surge of excitement when I hear that distinctive Geordie roar. We demanded a team that gives its all, and they have met that expectation. Ultimately, for those fortunate enough to attend a match at St James Park, let’s unite in supporting the team wholeheartedly and display unwavering dedication.
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