I want to register my disgust at the reaction from Newcastle United supporters after the final whistle yesterday, at least those who were still inside St James’ Park.
United’s players were walking around the pitch perimeter to show their appreciation to the tens of thousands of fans. So were the coaches. They would probably have been far happier heading straight to the dressing room to lick their wounds.
They didn’t. They faced the music. It was not pleasant.
I was in a prime seat in the upper East Stand, near the halfway line, thanks to an official ticket transfer from a season-ticket holder.
It was my fifth visit to St James’ Park this season, having until January been unlucky in the deeply frustrating ballot and resale scrambles.
Perhaps the relative rarity of watching United colours my attitude. If I were attending every home game, would I appreciate the occasion less? I hope not.
Even if I were an ever-present fan, however, I would not do what thousands of people did.
Not a few dozen disgruntled supporters, not a few hundred. The booing and abuse was widespread.
I first heard it raining down from the Leazes End. The protests and anger then accompanied the players and staff as they walked in front of me towards the Gallowgate End. No doubt there was a similar reaction from the Milburn Stand.
It saddened me. It was toxic.
Yes, I agree everyone has the right to express an opinion. Yes, I appreciate the result and the manner of the defeat by our arch-enemies were tough to take.
Yes, I felt the anger at yet another missed opportunity to improve our league position while simultaneously “putting the Mackems in their place”.
That anger, though, was nothing compared with my disgust at the behaviour of those around me.
What does it achieve? Does anyone with even half a brain believe the team benefit from such behaviour? What happened to “We’ll support you ever more” and other proud chants shouted to the rafters in the good times?
The players were hurting. They need backing, not sacking. Any normal human would remember the abuse hurled at him yesterday by those Newcastle United supporters who claim to be the most loyal the world has ever seen. Especially the next time an agent reveals a rival club want to recruit him and pay him a lot more than he receives at St James’ Park.
This is not an attempt to claim the moral high ground. I’m no Mary Poppins. I’ve screamed abuse at one or two black-and-whites in my time, the ones who patently were not trying.
That refusal to give 100% is a no-no in my book. It is unforgivable. Any player guilty of essentially stealing a living from the club and the supporters should be bombed out. As WB Yeats wrote: “Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”
Supporters dream of glory. Vicarious glory but glory all the same. The players represent the club, the city and the hundreds of thousands of fans who follow them from near and far.
I believe our players and coaches take that responsibility seriously. They do their best.
If that is not good enough for the noisy minority who expressed their displeasure at the final whistle yesterday, perhaps they should consider their position rather than condemning their heroes.
One year and one week ago, I was at Wembley to enjoy the greatest day of my 50-plus years as a member of the Toon Army. One of the strongest memories of that unforgettable day was the speed at which Liverpool’s legendary fans deserted their team. Hundreds headed for the exits even before the stoppage-time Chiesa goal.
When the losers climbed the steps to the Royal Box to collect their medals, the stadium was little more than half full.
I mentioned this to a friend, a lifetime Liverpool supporter, who asked why I was surprised. Surely the fans of every club did that, didn’t they?
Well, no, not in my experience. At the 2005 FA Cup semi-final in Cardiff, our section of the ground remained to applaud the team long after most of the Manchester United fans had departed, having seen their favourites win 4-1. The same scenario unfolded when we lost the League Cup final in 2023.
I thought we were better than glory hunters, those followers of football who revel in success but abandon their team at the drop of a hat.
Today, I have to accept my view was deluded.