Newcastle United fans are seething this morning, with Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie claiming Mike Ashley intends to stick by Steve Bruce and repay his loyalty, despite last night’s horror show against Brighton.
The Magpies were comfortably beaten 3-0 at St. James’ Park by the Seagulls.
Goals came from Leandro Trossard, Danny Welbeck and Neal Maupay for the visitors.
The game was must-win for Newcastle, but it became apparent early on that there was simply no chance of three points for the hosts.
Graham Potter’s side produced some slick, attacking football that got its just rewards.
Newcastle very rarely threatened Robert Sanchez in the Brighton goal, and the difference in desire was huge.
The nature of this latest defeat was shambolic, and yet according to Downie, Bruce still has the owner’s backing.
He wrote on Twitter: “Been told this morning that Mike Ashley intends to stick by Steve Bruce despite last night’s horror show at Brighton.
“Loud calls for Bruce to be sacked are falling on deaf ears from the Newcastle owner and Ashley wants to repay Bruce’s loyalty.
“Ashley is very downbeat after last night’s defeat but expects the manager and players to step up in the coming weeks. He still supports his struggling manager. Newcastle are two points from safety & haven’t won in 6 games.”
On social media, Downie’s information has pretty much already ruined Sunday for a lot of Newcastle supporters, many of whom have been clinging to the small possibility Bruce might be sacked today.
The part about Ashley wanting to repay Bruce’s loyalty is particularly unfathomable for some:
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