Fans of Newcastle United have been reacting to a post on Twitter, in which Michael Chopra questions whether Mike Ashley actually wants to sell the club.
Following the withdrawal of Newcastle United’s £300 million Saudi Arabian-backed takeover bid in July, it was reported that former Toon striker Michael Chopra linked up with the owners of the Bellagraph Nova Group to submit a new bid for the club.
However, later reports suggested that Ashley has called off talks with the group fronted by Chopra, as he is unwilling to enter into negotiations with any bidder without ‘cast-iron’ proof of funds, as well as receiving a non-refundable deposit.
Following this news, Chopra took to Twitter, simply stating: “Wondering if MA really wants to sell NUFC.”
After this tweet, fans of Newcastle flocked to have their say on the matter, with many taking aim at their club’s former striker, suggesting that they believe he is not legitimate in his bid for the club.
So many 'red flags' with this group, one of the biggest ones being they thought Michael Chopra was the man to front the bid. https://t.co/5iczJyqhhX
— Alan Coleman (@AlanColeman86) August 31, 2020
Wondering if the BN Group really exists / had any interest in buying NUFC after bidding way short of the asking price.#NUFC #NUFCTakeover https://t.co/FIQ8ZO3Wno
— NUFCblog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) August 31, 2020
Well Michael he did agree to sell to PIF it was 99% done until every man and his dog opposed the deal.
Whereas Bellagraph Nova were never serious bidders a joke of a consortium. #NUFC https://t.co/5CeMOPeEjL
— ?????? (@StevenNUFC) August 31, 2020
This is getting a tad bit embarrassing for @MichaelChopra #NUFC https://t.co/6NIhpIo47y
— The Irish Mags (@IrishMagsNUFC) August 31, 2020
He does. To legitimate buyers who pay his asking price.
— Jack???? (@jchaytor16) August 31, 2020
Seriously?
— Stagnating NUFC (@StagnatingNUFC) August 31, 2020
Considering the fact that Newcastle fans do not exactly have the best relationship with their current owner, it does not bode well for Chopra that many are almost defending Ashley regarding his tweet.
This is not exactly a great foot to get off on with the Newcastle fans if Chopra were to eventually be successful in a bid with the Bellagraph Nova Group.
Do you think the Bellagraph Nova Group are serious about taking over Newcastle?
Yes
No
Many more Newcastle fans took to Twitter to slam Chopra following his tweet.
To a legitimate buyer yes, not you pretenders
— Sam Walsh (@sam_w_182) August 31, 2020
Wondering what you’re on linking up with them chancers looking for free advertising on the back of the club
— Cairns K (@CairnsKD) August 31, 2020
Michael why get our hopes up for utter frauds?
— Alex William (@AlexDembaCisse) August 31, 2020
So, it would very much seem as if these Newcastle fans are not taking Chopra, or the consortium that he is fronting, seriously whatsoever.
And, considering the fact that it has been reported the new consortium have only offered £280 million for the club, an offer which Ashley has not even responded to as yet, it would seem as if the club’s current owner is not taking them seriously either.