Mike Ashley urged to think of Newcastle United fans amid national emergency

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - JANUARY 01: General view inside the stadium looking out to the city ahead of the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on January 01, 2020 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

The group – part of a protest movement against Ashley’s running of the football club – want the United hierarchy to suspend season ticket direct debits for all

fans who are already paying for next season, not knowing if this one will even get completed.

In a statement on Twitter, Toon For Change said: “We urgently call on @NUFC to suspend all season ticket direct debits. Fans should not be expected to pay whilst the country faces a national emergency.

“Thousands of fans have lost their income and suspending season ticket direct debits will give some relief in these difficult times.”

Many season ticket holders, who pay by direct debit, have already paid in full for the 2019/20 season. And their last payment, in March, is the first payment for the 2020/21 season.