Newcastle’s squad are refusing to speak to the media as they remain in talks with owner Mike Ashley over bonuses, according to Chronicle Live.
The outlet claims that last season the Newcastle squad agreed a bonus structure with Ashley, with the squad receiving £1million for every place they finished above 17th spot and they would also share a £4million bonus if the club avoided relegation.
It is understood that Ashley also agreed to award the squad a £20million bonus should they have won the FA Cup last season.
However, the report reveals that this season, negotiations between the owner and senior Toon players have broken down and no such bonus is available this season.
OPINION
Normally, when it comes to Newcastle controversies, Mike Ashley is to blame whatever happens. But in this case, the players are to blame for this ridiculous stand-off between the senior players and owner. The reported size of the bonuses that were on offer last season were simply ridiculous, an astonishing £20million for winning the FA Cup is beyond comprehension and they should not expect a bonus like that every single year. For the players to be protesting by not talking to the media is unacceptable from their point of view, they should be concentrating on preparing as best they can for the upcoming season and not get distracted by off-field issues. It does beg the question, however, if Ashley could afford to give the players a £20million bonus for the FA Cup last season, why doesn’t he just give that to Rafael Benitez to strengthen the squad if he’s not offering it this year?