Newcastle United fan group make decision on Manchester City FA Cup clash as fans call for action

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Fans of Newcastle United unvail a giant flag in the stand during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town at St. James Park on March 31, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)

The group are resisting calls from fans on social media to return from their self-imposed absence, after vowing to only return when Mike Ashley leaves the club.

A message on their Twitter account reads: “We appreciate the messages, but we shouldn’t be needed for an FA Cup Quarter Final to help the atmosphere. If you are in the ground, you have a duty to make it horrible for Man City and sing your heart out.”

The Magpies are through to the last eight of the competition, which they have won SIX times, the last of which was in 1955, for the first time since 2006.

Previous to this season United, who have been to 13 finals in their history, the last of which was in 1999, have never reached round five since Mike Ashley bought the club.