Following 12 years of neglect and disrespect of our football club and the recent departure of Rafael Benitez as Newcastle United manager, many supporters feel they can no longer return to St James’ Park whilst Mike Ashley remains the current custodian.
Consequently, many fans are of the view that the only way to put pressure on him to sell is through the active participation in boycotts and other forms of protest. With many choosing to not renew their season tickets, and not attend games, it has come to light that local establishments could be affected by such actions of protest. Subsequently, NUFC fan groups have joined together to link in with the city’s bars, pubs and restaurants in an attempt to #SupportOurToon.
This campaign will consist of local establishments providing their support to either the cause by advertising the boycotts and/or by providing match day, ‘happy-hour’ type deals to entice fans away from St James’ Park. The idea being, that businesses that would usually be quiet during match time, will reap the benefits of those boycotting, rather than suffer as a consequence. This will work through increased custom and furthermore, turnover.
Support Our Toon isn’t only part of our protest against Mike Ashley – it exists as part of our collective’s commitment to support local businesses, local jobs – and the local economy as a whole. 63p of every £1 spent with small businesses stays in our regional economy, we don’t believe the same can be said about money spent and Newcastle United under Mike Ashley’s ownership.
Mike Ashley doesn’t believe in supporting our region, or even acting in the interest of clubs where he is involved for that matter. A recent BBC report revealed that Ashley, who was a former minority shareholder in Rangers took 93p of every £1 made from the sale of strips and merchandise.
Thus far, the following bars have offered their support to the cause for the Arsenal game whilst others are supporting the movement with posters and leaflets being visible even if they cannot offer a ‘happy-hour’ type deal:
Don Vito’s, 86 Pilgrim Street, NE1 6SG. - Pizza and a pint for £10 upon quoting “Support Our Toon” when ordering.
Spot White, 14-18 Stowell Street, NE1 4QX. - Free pool subject to availability, bottles from £2.50 and shots from £1. Children are welcome.
Idols/Vaults, 15 Bigg Market, NE1 1UN. - Bottles from £2, pints from £3, £3.50 double vodka and mixer. Adult entertainment.
The Hancock, 2A Hancock Street, NE2 4PU. - £10 pitchers, 10% discount of food valid using this, or last year’s, season ticket. Entered into a raffle to win a signed NUFC football.
Sinners, 63 Newgate Street, NE1 5RF. - 3 bottles of Carlsberg/VK for £6 and £3.95 house trebles.
The North terrace, 23-26 North Terrace, Claremont Street, NE2 4AN. - Normal menu instead of Sunday menu. Pizza and a pint for £8. 2 for £6 on select pints. ‘Half time madness’ deal – 50p off pints.
Filthys, 22-28 Bigg Market, NE1 1UW. - Selected bottles at £1.50.
Players, The Gate, Newgate Street, NE1 5TG. - 2 pints for £5.95.