When billionaire Ashley completed a takeover of the club in 2007, optimism was high. There was a belief he’d take the Magpies to new heights.
But as we all know, his ownership proved to be a the complete opposite. A disaster, to say the least, as fans endured two relegations to the Championship – and a number of shocking decisions.
Here, we take a look at the 20 most controversial Ashley moments after he packed his bags and sold the club to PCP Partners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and the Reuben brothers:
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. NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: A detail shot of a Mike Ashley Out badge pictured on a fans shirt before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leicester City at St. James Park on September 29, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
We take a look at Mike Ashley's most controversial moments as Newcastle United owner. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) Photo: Stu Forster
. That pint at the Emirates…
In his final appearance watching Newcastle among the travelling supporters, Ashley faced a police inquiry and a possible banning order from Premier League stadiums in August 2008 after being caught downing a pint of beer in the stands at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Photo: Alex Burstow
. Missing a meeting with Sheikh Mansour
Tony Jimenez said Ashley refused to meet the buyer, who went on to purchase Manchester City, after expressing interest in a Newcastle takeover. It is also claimed he ruined another potential deal after “creating a disturbance in a bar" in Dubai. Photo: Francois Nel
. Kevin Keegan's resignation
The completely ill-judged appointments of the likes of Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez were just one part of the problem that forced Keegan to resign in September 2008. As we all know, Ashley and co’s appalling treatment of the Magpies legend played out in court after he won a £2m tribunal against the club. What are Nacho Gonzalez and Xisco up to nowadays? Photo: GLYN KIRK
. Appointing Joe Kinnear (first time round)
First drafted in as interim manager following Keegan’s departure, Kinnear wasted no time in telling the local press to f*** off as well as ranting about several unsavoury things. He didn’t last long in the hot seat after a health scare in February 2009 forced him to resign. He’d be back though… Photo: Laurence Griffiths
. 2008/09 Premier League relegation
With Keegan gone, Kinnear recovering and Hughton placed in caretaker charge twice, not even club legend Alan Shearer could save Newcastle United from relegation after 16 consecutive seasons in the top-flight. Ashley wanted out and put the club up for sale. Now, where had we heard that before… Photo: Michael Steele
1. That pint at the Emirates…
In his final appearance watching Newcastle among the travelling supporters, Ashley faced a police inquiry and a possible banning order from Premier League stadiums in August 2008 after being caught downing a pint of beer in the stands at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium. Photo: Alex Burstow
2. Missing a meeting with Sheikh Mansour
Tony Jimenez said Ashley refused to meet the buyer, who went on to purchase Manchester City, after expressing interest in a Newcastle takeover. It is also claimed he ruined another potential deal after “creating a disturbance in a bar" in Dubai. Photo: Francois Nel
3. Kevin Keegan's resignation
The completely ill-judged appointments of the likes of Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez were just one part of the problem that forced Keegan to resign in September 2008. As we all know, Ashley and co’s appalling treatment of the Magpies legend played out in court after he won a £2m tribunal against the club. What are Nacho Gonzalez and Xisco up to nowadays? Photo: GLYN KIRK
4. Appointing Joe Kinnear (first time round)
First drafted in as interim manager following Keegan’s departure, Kinnear wasted no time in telling the local press to f*** off as well as ranting about several unsavoury things. He didn’t last long in the hot seat after a health scare in February 2009 forced him to resign. He’d be back though… Photo: Laurence Griffiths