The fallout from fans, after the announcement that their hero Rafa Benitez is leaving his role at Newcastle United, has been predictably volatile.
Benitez was the glue that kept everyone together at St James’ Park, uniting fans and, most of the time, minimising the animosity towards the regime – particularly during football matches.
That glue has gone now, leaving behind broken pieces of a football club and a support seemingly divided on how to go forward.
There have been renewed calls for fans to cancel season tickets and boycott games, as angry fans are determined to make their feelings known to Mike Ashley, one way or another.
Other fans point to the fact they have gone to games for years – sometimes decades – and refuse to let their love and passion be taken away from them by one man.
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It is a fine line, and in all honesty, their are pros and cons in both actions.
There is no doubt that non-attendance of games could hit the billionaire in his soft spot – the wallet.
But the only way that would have any chance of working would be if it was done en masse, and in frankly – whether right or wrong – that is not likely to happen.
Boycotting games is not always as easy for some as it is for others
For many, it is not as simple as just deciding not to go. How can a parent tell an 11 or 12-year-old child that they are not allowed to go to the games they love anymore?
They do not fully understand the politics around the football club, they just go to school every day, and tick each day off until the weekend comes and they are off to the match.
If some fans do boycott, but not the vast majority, the problem is that other fans will take their place – especially if the team puts a good run of results together. The result would be new, quiet fans sitting in the ground.
If fans want to stop going, that’s fine, and I back their stance and support them 100 per cent.
If others still want to go, I will equally back them, but they should not be barracked for it. They are not the enemy – despite some comments on social media.
As long as they go, make their feelings known, and their anti-regime voices heard, then they will have as vital a role to play as those taking action with their feet.
Whether you agree or disagree, go or don’t go, we must all stick together. Actions may differ, but the feelings are all the same.