The Magpie Group have consulted as many fans as possible to come up with our next phase of protests against Mike Ashley’s running of our football club. We’ve read hundreds of emails and messages, organised public meetings to listen to what fans want and polled those in attendance to get a feel for the most popular courses of action.
Three basic principles came up time and again. Protesting his store, protesting at games, and emptying seats at games. Given the popularity of all of these options, we see no reason to choose one and will organise and promote them all. The games against Watford, Everton, Fulham and Liverpool will have a mix of pre and post match protests. For the home game against West Ham on December 1st we’re asking fans to enter the stadium 11 minutes after kick off. For the televised Sky game against Wolves on December 9th we’re advocating a total boycott.
We’re working on other activities we’re not currently in a position to make any public announcement on, but now it’s up to you. Democracy will win. The Magpie Group events that are well supported and effective will be more likely to be repeated in the new year. Those that the wider fanbase choose not to back in significant numbers will be less likely to form part of the ongoing actions. We need as many volunteers and active participants as are willing.
For those that choose not to partake in any of the events organised, we fully respect that decision and accept that a consensus will never be possible. It’s a personal choice. There is no reason for any animosity on the stands, on the streets or on social media.
Those fans that join protests and those that don’t, the team and the manager are Newcastle United. We all want what’s best for the club and do all we can to achieve this aim. The Magpie Group support everyone working for a better Newcastle United, however they feel is right. One man is working against Newcastle United and all of us that make the club. His only aim is to grow his retail empire at our cost.
Mike Ashley is the reason The Magpie Group was formed and we will continue to fight for a better future for Newcastle United.