Newcastle United fans have been reacted furiously to some comments made by Matt Ritchie.
Speaking in a recent interview for the matchday programme (via Chronicle Live), the Scot talked about the state of the club and how things have changed since he’s been there having signed in the summer of 2016.
He specifically talked about the perceived lack of investment from owner Mike Ashley, something that sparks a lot of anger amongst the supporters, but Ritchie doesn’t think that’s necessarily the case.
He said: “Certainly, since I’ve been at the football club my feeling is year on year, we’ve improved as a club, as a group. People talk about investment and this, that and the other. We’ve invested now, we’ve signed some very good players, we’ve got competition for places and it’s the best since I have been here. It’s a positive step in the right direction.”
Ritchie’s views didn’t go down well with supporters on social media, however, as many of them ripped into him, with some accusing him of just saying things that won’t get him in trouble with the higher-ups at the club:
“Every time Ritchie speaks I’m surprised by how disappointing it is. For someone so vocal and passionate on the pitch, off it he seems content to tow the party line. Where’s the ambition?”
Do you agree with Matt Ritchie's comments?
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No
In his defence, whilst he’s an employee at the club there are probably certain things he can and can’t say, so he should be afforded some level of slack, even if it’s something fans don’t agree with.