The first step towards boycotting the current regime of Mike Ashley began when a number of Newcastle United supporters did not turn up for the recent match against Tottenham.
The home match ended as a 3-1 defeat for Newcastle. It was the sixth consecutive defeat for the team and one that threatens to drag them into the relegation zone with only a few games left. Caretaker manager John Carver has not had the full complement of players since taking over the reins from former manager Alan Pardew. Gabriel Obertan is one of the several players currently unavailable for the first-team selection.
The 26 year old has featured in 13 games this season and has scored only one league goal. He has featured in only two matches during this month. There have been concerns about the team being dragged into relegation battle with five games left in the season. Newcastle have not yet reached the psychological barrier of 40 points in order to avoid relegation. Carver is set to meet stern protests against owner Mike Ashley in the upcoming home game. The club has more than £ 35 million in cash reserves but they have not been willing to spend money on strengthening the team.
“I think we need four points from five games to be sure of safety. Our preparation for Swansea feels as if we’re playing in a World Cup final – that’s how important it is.The protesters are going to be making their point and I can understand, they’re entitled to do that, but they also realise we need three points and they need to get behind the team because we want to be playing Premier League football next season. They pay their money, they’re allowed to do what they want but I’m pleading, please get behind the team, support the team,” said Carver.
