Newcastle United fans have donated as much as £19,000 to a local food bank as the absent loyal supporters put their money towards charity instead of paying to watch Saturday night’s clash with Manchester United at St James’ Park.
As per the latest estimate confirmed on Twitter by NUFC Food Banks, fans who chose not to pay for the match, donated the superb amount after they were urged to give the £14.95 fee to the West End Foodbank instead, using the ‘CharityNotPPV’ hashtag on social media.
The gesture is being reciprocated by other clubs as more games during October go behind the broadcaster’s paywall amid plenty of controversy.
Despite the Magpies taking the lead inside two minutes through a Luke Shaw own goal, the hosts were pegged back before conceding three late goals to ultimately lose 4-1.
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A marvelous gesture of goodwill from the Georgdie faithful to raise such a monumental amount in lieu of succumbing to the temptation of paying to watch their beloved Toon.
Despite perhaps not missing much in the end, donating the £14.95 to charity as opposed to watching the side from afar as is the only way possible at the moment, is a true mark of the generosity of the fans and the people of the North East.
It isn’t yet known whether the PPV Premier League matches will continue beyond October, however, there has certainly been a major pushback from across the league for the proposals, which could well increase in time.
