A lot of Newcastle United fans have flocked to a post from NUFC 360, which contains a video originally from BBC reporter Dan Roan’s tweet that includes an interview with Richard Masters discussing the failed takeover of the Toon.
Masters confirms that he does not accept the criticism directed at the Premier League by Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium and that no one had any influence on the decision apart from the Premier League board.
This interview came on the same day that the Toon released a scathing statement that confirmed that the Premier League had rejected the proposed takeover by PCP Capital Partners, Reuben Brothers and PIF, despite providing ‘overwhelming evidence‘ proving that the Saudi state and PIF were separate as the club and its owners insisted they were now exploring all options available to them.
It has also been claimed that Mike Ashley has a strong case for legal action against the Premier League, so this could get messy.
However, it is these comments from Masters that have got Toon fans talking.
Do you think Masters is telling the truth?
No, he is hiding something
Yes, he is being honest
He will regret those comments
— Sunny Singh (@sunnysinghb82) September 9, 2020
Way out of his depth.
— Mark (@Mark74NUFC) September 10, 2020
Notice how he continually looks at the floor… Sign of a liar…
— Robbie (@RobbieGreeen) September 9, 2020
You can tell he is hiding something.
— Soldier of wor toon (Kill corruption in the PL) (@Bigkev1346) September 10, 2020
The deal for Staveley’s group to buy the Toon was withdrawn on 30th July.
There was talk of the consortium trying to save the takeover, but it looks like for now, it is dead, though the option of legal action is now open, and Ashley has been told he has a strong case.
This post continued to draw the attention of many Newcastle fans, who have slated Masters.
His body language screams guilty and his language is designed to not answer the question. He basically says the test is robust not that they applied it fairly.
— chis (@possumbelly) September 10, 2020
He’s terrified! He knows what’s coming!!! #PremierLeagueIsCorrupt #SackRichardMasters https://t.co/aR8x1nkbbF
— Disco Dave (@DiscoDaveToon) September 9, 2020
He publicly explained what PIF needed to do, Newcastle tell the public PIF did what Masters asked, PIF get rejected ??
The top 6, Bien, Masters, Hoffman, corruption.
All going to come out
— Andy (@Andy_11_) September 9, 2020
Haha this guy is lieing through his teeth and he’s extremely scared! It’s coming Mr Masters it’s coming! See you in court #PremierLeagueIsCorrupt
— Disco Dave (@DiscoDaveToon) September 9, 2020
The Toon have had a good week on the transfer front with the additions of Callum Wilson, Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser, and Ashley is also going to continue supporting Steve Bruce in the transfer market.
However, it will be interesting to see how this takeover story develops and what steps Ashley takes next as he looks to sell the club.