When Newcastle visit Leicester on Sunday, they will come face to face with their former striker Ayoze Perez, who will surely be playing with the bit between his teeth against his former side.
He did, of course, start the game in the EFL Cup second round at St James’ Park earlier this season, but with a small attendance, he largely escaped a difficult reception from the home crowd.
But with a sold out away section in full voice on Sunday, Perez will be expecting an altogether more aggressive, hostile welcome from his former supporters.
But Toon fans in attendance should be wary of falling into the trap of making the occasion all about the Spaniard, and focus on getting behind a Newcastle side in desperate need of a win.
To focus solely on Perez will be a mistake, and will undoubtedly see the home side get an extra 10 per cent from the player Newcastle signed from Tenerife for under £2 million in 2014.
While no one is expecting the away section to let him off scot-free, constantly barracking him will almost inevitably see him popping a goal in and standing in front of the Newcastle fans with his fingers in his ears.
Perez was a love or hate player at Newcastle
The player always divided fans’ opinions on Tyneside, with him only ever seeming to perform in the latter half of the season throughout his St James’ Park career.
In fact, that the club managed to secure a fee of £30m for him, softened the blow of his departure, particularly as it had largely been on the cards for a while.
Newcastle fans will have much more impact on directing their gaze on Newcastle’s need for support over the wont to deride their former player.
A positive result is the most important thing this weekend, and grabbing three points will upset Perez much more than enduring a few derogatory chants.
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