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Newcastle news: Mike Ashley blasted by fans after Rafa Benitez Spain revelation
NEWCASTLE fans are raging at owner Mike Ashley after it emerged he offered Spain to chance to poach Rafael Benitez before the World Cup.
The eventual quarter-final victims suffered a tumultuous time just days before the Russian tournament got underway when Julen Lopetegui was appointed Real Madrid manager.
The Spaniard's decision to replace Zinedine Zidane meant the national team were forced to appoint Fernando Hierro as their new head coach just 48 hours before the competition kicked off.
But according to Spanish federation president Luis Rubiales, Newcastle offered Benitez's services to them.
“When I sacked Julen I immediately called Hierro and told him I didn’t want to make any changes," he told Cadena Cope.
"Two days later a letter arrived from Newcastle saying ‘Are you interested in our coach? He’s at your disposition.’
A letter arrived from Newcastle saying ‘Are you interested in our coach? He’s at your disposition.’
"We said thanks but no."
And this has led to a host of Newcastle supporters venting their anger at an owner who is already at odds with most of the north east fanbase.
One supporter wrote: "Ashley trying to push Rafa out, while making it look like the Spanish FAs fault."
One said: "So because he couldn't push Rafa out the door towards Spain. He withholds the money in the hope of pushing him out that way."
Another added: "All is not well within the corridors of St. James' Park, Mike Ashley is a devious, sly man, how he sleeps at night is beyond me!"
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One said: "Rafa Benítez isn’t a fool, he’s a clever operator and recognises all of Ashley’s dirty tricks. He will walk away with his head held high."
And one angry supporter tweeted: "This would have been the perfect excuse for the club not to spend money in the summer - Rafa was on international duty - whilst saving a months wages."
Fans are angry that Ashley would allow Benitez to be away from the club for over a month while pre-season plans were being made.
Many of the St. James' Park faithful are also fed up with the owner's reluctance to fund the Spaniard in the transfer market.
United brought in Fabian Schar last week for £3m, but fans are waiting for the club to break their transfer record for the first time in 15 years.