Fans and pundits criticise Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand for his astonishing defence of Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley
Rio Ferdinand has been criticised for comments he made in which he defended Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.Speaking ahead of the Magpies’ clashwith Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on BT Sport, the former Manchester United and England defender said he understood Ashley’s dealings in the transfer windows as he attempts to sell the club.Ferdinand defended Mike Ashley2
Ferdinand defended Mike Ashley
Thebillionaire retail entrepreneur sells Ferdinand’s own clothing brand FIVE exclusively at his retail branch Sports Direct, but the 40-year-old says opinions have nothing to do with business.“I dont even really know him well,” Ferdinand said. “I will get to know him.“My issue has got nothing to do with my business dealings Ive got with his company. When he went down he spent 50million of his own money to get them back up.“I understand Rafas frustrations because as a manager you want the ability to go out and spend money, but theyre not in that position. “At the same time I understand Mike Ashley.“Why is he going to spend more and more money – millions and millions of pounds – when hes actually looking to sell the club? Hes got them to a point now where theyre back in the Premier League and theyre consolidating to a certain extent.“Hes not going to go spend his own money. You wouldnt go spend your own money now knowing you were trying to sell something unless you knew you were going to get that back.”Ferdinand then added that Newcastlesupporters should start to have more realistic expectations about their club.Its not easy to sell a football club,” he continued.“Hes got a price and hes going to wait to get it. Hes spent money at that football club, hes just not going to spend it at this time.Newcastle fans want Ashley to sell the club2
Newcastle fans want Ashley to sell the club
“All these fans, they do dream, and they dream big and I understand that.“What are Newcastles aims? They cant be aiming at being a Manchester United or a Manchester City. Theyve got to aim to be a Bournemouth.“Theyve only just started spending. Im not saying everything theyre doing is correct.“What Im saying is, I think Mike Ashley, you cant hammer him and say that he should be spending when he wants to sell the club. You wouldnt spend on your house when you want to sell it.”His comments prompted an angry reaction on social media, with pundits and fans calling Ferdinand out.  Ferdinand reacted to the criticism he received on Sunday morning, sending out a Tweet directed at the St James’ Park faithful.
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Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League
sportstons.com/soccer/rafael-benitez-defends-decision-to-prioritise-premier-league-over-fa-cup/
Rafael Benitez has vigorously defended his policy of not risking Newcastle's Premier League status by chasing FA Cup glory. The Magpies have been heavily criticised by the club's fans for fielding a weakened line-up when his side were held 1-1 at home by Blackburn in the third round.
Rafael Benitez defends decision to prioritise Premier League