'Very telling statement' 'Does this mean I can purchase the cans?': Newcastle United fans react as club confirm takeover legal challenge

A Middle East consortium which consisted of Amanda Staveley, the Reuben brothers and Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund wanted to buy the Magpies but withdrew their bid due to the length of the process.

United have also claimed the Premier League have “leaked” information about legal proceedings.

Importantly, the club will not disclose any information with regards the nature of the arbitration.

Here’s how some supporters reacted to Newcastle’s club statement on social media:

@NUFCR2: What a pleasant surprise on a Thursday afternoon #NUFC

@CharIieBennett: Sums up 2020 perfectly the fact that I’m 100% behind Mike Ashley every step of the way

@NUFC360: Get in. We are coming for you @premierleague

@NUFCWuke: Does this mean I can purchase the cans?

@RBanerjee23: The @premierleague could have avoided all this mess if it had just been honest and fair. No other takeover was handled in the way #NUFC's was. There must be a solution.

@AdamBell1981: This is a very telling statement. Not convinced it will allow a takeover to proceed and it will certainly be a long drawn out procedure, but, this is a massive step in the right direction.

@NUFCNewsroom_: First time the club has commented on the matter, have a read.

@JakeJackmann: Mike Ashley really must hate the Premier League if he is communicating with the fan base…

@RobStewart_: Newcastle are never out of the headlines for very long

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of NUFC coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor