Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting to a series of posts on Twitter, in which sports journalist Ben Jacobs provides an update on the latest developments in the Newcastle takeover saga.
Following the news that Newcastle United and Mike Ashley have hired lawyers ‘in a bid to prove the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test was not properly applied’ during the now withdrawn takeover bid by a consortium which included Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, Jacobs tweeted some information he had been told by a ‘Premier League source’ in response to the news, before adding his own knowledge on the matter.
In his tweets, Jacobs mentions that the source informed him ‘it is not true all NUFC-listed directors passed O&D test’, before also stating that the Premier League are ‘adamant that the consortium pulled out before any concrete clearance, for both specific individuals and broader bid, was given’.
In reaction to his tweets, fans of Newcastle have flocked to have their say on the matter, with many stating that they would not want to mess with Ashley.
Ben, I hope ashley takes the PL to the cleaners and exposes them for what they are, if it is deemed they have acted unreasonable and have moved the goal posts, this has major implications for the PL and the people who govern it, I would not want to mess with Ashley..
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) September 14, 2020
It took 4 months Ben and they didnt make a determination, not one? So what were they doing. This makes no sense. Think about it, quite ridiculous to not clear any of it then bring the state in way down the line. Its rejection alright by another name. Ashley knows he has a case
— Nufc42 (@nufc42) September 14, 2020
You don’t hire these lawyers to get some compensation.
Ashley is desperate to get rid of us. And that’s what he’ll do.— Jack ?? #AshleyOut (@jchaytor16) September 14, 2020
While it is slightly odd to see Newcastle fans side with Ashley, it would seem that both parties, in this case, are indeed on the same side, as Ashley clearly does want to sell the club, while Newcastle fans also want new owners.
Do you believe the Premier League formally rejected the Saudi-backed Toon takeover bid?
YES
NO
Many more Newcastle fans took to Twitter to share their thoughts on the matter.
All records of emails, phone calls, texts, social media etc will be requested by lawyers. I suspect many at the PL and their media contacts will be more than a little uncomfortable right now.
— Gary H (@222GH) September 14, 2020
Ben someone is lying – The fact Ashley is going to pay millions in court fees to prove its not him speaks volumes. Mike Ashley is a very successful businessman (not a great owner) i’m fairly confident he has been told directly the takeover wasn’t approved.
— john_nufc (@FplToon) September 14, 2020
There are obviously irregularities on the PL side, that is why the lawyers have proceeded to take the case. If these are exposed and the PL have acted incorrectly, then certain peoples positions become untenable
— Sniper99 (@Sniper966708595) September 14, 2020
While the proposed takeover of Newcastle United ended in late July, when the consortium pulled out of the bid, it would seem that this saga is far from over yet, and it will be certainly something to keep an eye on as the story develops over the coming weeks.
For now, though, it is evident that these Newcastle fans are not happy with the way the Premier League acted throughout the takeover deal, and, should the matter go to court, it will be interesting to see whether or not these feelings are vindicated.