“Don’t ever give up on your club.”
Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw with Burnley last night in an impressive yet ultimately toothless display that encapsulated many of the club’s on-pitch problems. However, it was a message about their off the field issues that stole the show.
Prior to kick-off at St. James’ Park, a group of Newcastle fans unfurled an enormous banner across the entire width of the stadium’s famous Gallowgate End.
Featuring a famous quote from Toon legend Kevin Keegan, the black and white banner took aim at owner Mike Ashley’s stewardship of the club, which is seen by many on Tyneside and beyond as self-serving.
Delivered by the former player and manager in 2008, the quote reads:
“Don’t ever give up on your club. Keep supporting it, it’s your club, trust me one day you will get your club back. It will be everything you wanted it to be. Newcastle Utd is bigger than anyone. It hurts, I know, just keep going.”
Unsurprisingly, the banner struck just as much of a note with fans of other clubs, who hailed Newcastle supporters for their spirit and resolve, as well as the tone of their message.
That. Is. Brilliant.
A Keegan quote, it's classic Geordie attitude. Love it. My Missus (born & bred in Fenham) just read it and yelled "howay the lads!" pic.twitter.com/va2YxYfMQ0— John Nicholson (@JohnnyTheNic) January 31, 2018
The banner put out by Newcastle fans tonight is a wonderful thing respect to them for voicing their thoughts⚪️⚫️⚪️
— Smudge (@Smudge1N) January 31, 2018
Great message from the Newcastle fans tonight. We could do with a similar banner at a game. pic.twitter.com/L3G3tytH0z
— Mark Harrison (@MarkHarrison23) January 31, 2018
Pretty deep stuff from Newcastle fans tonight. A banner to stir up hope, this could happen to any of our beloved clubs. Never give up your club! pic.twitter.com/iLlw2GRcDa
— Not My Ball, Mate (@NotMyBallMate) January 31, 2018
Newcastle fans were particularly praised for choosing to protest in such a powerful and meaningful way, which emphasised just how important a football club is to a community and the people that inhabit it.
https://twitter.com/DayofRusev/status/958865302770671617
Remarkable banner at St. James’s Park from Newcastle fans. pic.twitter.com/apPn0I61FS
— Mootaz Chehade (@MHChehade) January 31, 2018
Meanwhile, at St James' Park tonight, perhaps the deepest banner ever unfurled at a sporting event…#Newcastle #newbur pic.twitter.com/dFvN7WcfwG
— Steve Hughes 🇺🇦 🇵🇸 (@StevenLHughes) January 31, 2018
Newcastle banner tonight👏 #NUFC pic.twitter.com/6VKtKnY3kG
— Football Away Days (@AwayDays_) January 31, 2018
Great banner from the Newcastle fans at St James’ Park tonight 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/wUsgA7eNLK
— Terrace Images (@TerraceImages) January 31, 2018
