Mike Ashley issues Newcastle United statement as fans wait for season-ticket refunds

It wasn’t the statement fans had been hoping for from Mike Ashley.
Mike Ashley.Mike Ashley.
Mike Ashley.

Last night, Ashley, Newcastle United’s owner, came out against the £14.95 pay-per-view charge ahead of a Premier League meeting.

Supporters, of course, are waiting for the day that Ashley announces the sale of the club.

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The charge, however, is deeply unpopular, and many United fans donated to the Newcastle West End Foodbank, which is seeing increasing demand due to the coronavirus pandemic, rather than pay the charge for the recent home game against Manchester United.

Supporters from other clubs have followed this lead – and donated to foodbanks in their cities.

The pay-per-view arrangements, which originally had Newcastle’s reluctant support, are set to be changed, and Ashley has called for a £4.95 charge to watch the behind-closed-doors games which aren’t picked for the main TV slots.

“I am calling on the Premier League to immediately act, and review its current pay-per-view arrangements for live matches in the UK,” said Ashley, who has only made a handful of statements during his 13 years as United owner.

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“Charging £14.95 for single televised matches in the current climate it is not acceptable to any football fan. Supporters have overwhelmingly rejected this offer and the Premier League must now act. Why not make it much more accessible at £4.95 per match until Christmas?

“The Government should waive VAT on the above pay-per-view matches, so that as many of those who are unable to attend matches in person can at least watch their team.

“The profit from the above reduced-price pay-per-view option, I would suggest that 50% would be retained by Premier League and 50% to go to the football pyramid below.

“As a club, Newcastle United did vote in favour of the pay-per-view proposal, but, to be clear, this was because there were no realistic or any viable alternatives put forward to enable supporters to watch matches.”

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Ashley’s opposition to further £14.95 games at a time when many fans are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic is welcome.

However, one thing the club must do is stop talking further season-ticket payments from supporters – and start issuing refunds for behind-closed-doors games that they have not been able to attend.