Journalist Philippe Auclair has slammed Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe for comments he recently directed at Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking last week in a press conference, the Liverpool manager claimed that clubs such as the Magpies can essentially spend whatever they like under their Saudi-backed owners.
Howe responded by saying this wasn’t the case, claiming there is a ‘ceiling’ for the likes of Newcastle. While he then condemned Klopp’s behaviour towards an assistant referee in a recent match, urging him to set an example for fans and children (via The Guardian).
While speaking about the whole situation, Auclair told Off The Ball that Howe had no right to be giving the Liverpool manager a lesson in ethics.
He explained (1:11): “I have no words for it. And I think almost every single football fan in talking to – including some Newcastle United supporters – find it very difficult to just follow that.
“I don’t think it would be a problem if Eddie Howe came in front of the cameras and said: ‘We’ve got loads of money we’re spending it as we see fit and we respect FFP.’
“I would say: Yes, fine. That’s absolutely right. Do what you want. You know, we can have our opinion, that’s absolutely fair.
“And don’t start giving lessons of ethics to Jurgen Klopp about how to behave as a manager. I mean, I’m sorry. To be honest, I want to shut up here because I am so incensed by that.
“And I think many people are incensed by that – at least have the decency to shut up at times. We know who pays your players, we know who pays your salary.”
TIF thoughts on Eddie Howe and Newcastle…
Due to the club’s new financial resources, Howe was able to splash the cash in the summer. Indeed, since the change in ownership, the Magpies have spent over £200m on transfers. This has inspired the club to their strong form in the Premier League so far, they sit sixth after the games.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) owns 80 per cent of Newcastle and have funded this project. This has led to plenty of question marks – including those from human rights groups – regarding the normalising of sports washing via the football club.
Klopp certainly deserves criticism for the way he treated the referee and was rightfully sent off against Manchester City after his unpleasant outburst. However, taking everything into account, Howe may not be the man to talk about ethics – just as Auclair suggests.
What a complete and utter tool. Klopp misquoted Dan Ashworth who said there was no ceiling on ambition after years of Ashley setting it at survival. Then Howe who by the way talks about ffp which is set a lot lower for NUFC than Liverpool and who is asked about managers responsibilities on the touch line and says it is important to remember what is required. Please don’t say this idiot is a journalist but like a lot is bandwagon jumping and lazy. Also as far as ethics are concerned take a look at the guy who provided air taxis to snatch people who are locked up at guantanimo bay and has shares in yes you guessed it Liverpool.