Many Newcastle United supporters have flocked to a tweet from George Caulkin, a senior writer at The Athletic.
It was announced last week that the Saudi-backed consortium who were planning on purchasing the Toon decided to pull out of the deal, after running out of patience (as per BBC Sport). Despite an agreement believed to be worth £300m being reached with Mike Ashley back in April, the Premier League had still not given the deal the green light, causing lengthy delays and subsequently leading to the consortium’s withdrawal from the process.
Judging by the tone of Caulkin’s post, which was in response to a supporter, it appears he has given up hope of the takeover being resurrected despite the pressure he believes is being applied to the Premier League.
Here is how a sample of the St. James’ Park faithful have responded.
Why is it that a club like Chelsea has been allowed to gain such a strong hold in the Premiership. The Chairman would be arrested if he entered the country and is allowed to put pressure on th PL to oppose the Takeover of Newcastle
— mijmo (@mijmo2) August 5, 2020
I just don’t understand it all George have pif officially pulled out completely or not is the premier league aware they have pulled out I just don’t no where we stand it’s got me baffled to be honest
— Chris Cooper (@ChrisCo15220826) August 4, 2020
Council intervention is interesting, but something from a senior minister like Jenrick or Sunak would have more clout. I wonder if the Reubens are pulling strings there?
— Woodster (@WoodyLad8) August 4, 2020
Do you think there is any chance of the deal being resurrected?
Yes
No
Despite a few days passing since the fans learned the deal was off, judging by the above responses it appears many remain confused and feel mistreated by the Premier League hierarchy.
I keep telling myself it’s done for but that don’t stop me wanting answers from the epl and dhow how corrupt they are
— Stuart Heron (@The_Her0n) August 4, 2020
What I don’t get is surely MA has cause to take them to court as they are not allowing him to sell him business surely he would
— kevo175 (@kevo175) August 4, 2020
There’s undoubtedly pressure mounting , but it would be a monumental fillip to the cause if someone affiliated to the PL , someone mega rich and not needing to worry about future employment opportunities because there would be plenty , someone with Geordie connections , indeed
— Lostinspace (@Lostins55989834) August 4, 2020
All we can do is try. It would help if the @premierleague would just say something. Like why they cannot pass it
— Mark ferrell (@Markfer57598886) August 4, 2020
As far as I’m aware O&D test hasn’t changed since the day it was wrote up and passed as fit for purpose. Chelsea and City owners were not put threw all this? Other clubs didn’t openly write to object. We have been shafted from the start. Masters has been wrongly influenced. #nufc
— DON (@DavidDonnelly3) August 4, 2020
As of Tuesday, an online petition signed by more than 70,000 Newcastle United supporters has been circulating, calling for an independent investigation into the Premier League’s handling of the situation (as per BBC Sport) however, it remains to be seen whether this will influence proceedings or even just lead to them providing some clarity with regards to the whole thing.