'Not now lads': How Newcastle United fans reacted to takeover claims

With the country in lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the economy facing months of turmoil, there were fresh claims overnight about a £340million takeover of Newcastle United, which was put up for sale in late 2017. The Premier League has reportedly been “informed” of a bid funded by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and involving financier Amanda Staveley, who failed in a previous attempt to buy the club, which yesterday broadcast the 5-0 win over Manchester United from 1996/97 season, when the team, then managed by Kevin Keegan, was challenging for the Premier League title.

Here’s how a sceptical fanbase, which has seen its hopes of a sale raised – and dashed – several times over the past two and a half years, reacted to the takeover news:

@toonislife – “World economy about to collapse, no sign of football starting in the near future, but Ashley still gets his asking price.”

@WoodyLad8 – “After battering Man Utd 5-0 to go top of the league yesterday I’m not surprised like.”

@Jack__1955 – “I don’t see why anyone would want to buy a club at this time though, makes no sense?”

@Carl_M79 – “Not now lads.”

@JamesFenwick90 – “Drank all my cans months ago.”

@danno_4200 – “The world is in turmoil and folk are struggling to get shopping, but a football club is gonna be sold. Wey give ower fella.”