Newcastle United have tweeted a happy birthday message this morning to former midfielder Jonas Gutierrez on his 36th birthday.
Happy birthday, @elgalgojonas! ???
Once a Geordie, always a Geordie. ?? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/5TMR0BEyqh
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 5, 2019
Many fans, however, were not happy with this tweet as they felt it was somewhat disrespectful and hypocritical given the club’s treatment of Jonas when he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Here are a few of the responses by some fans:
You sacked. For having Cancer. That action is a microcosm of what a disgrace my club has become.
— Tony Rose (@TonyRose666) July 5, 2019
You’ve the brass neck for owt!
You binned him when he was unwell.
You were shameful in your treatment of @elgalgojonas .
You were then and you are now.
You’re NOT my club anymore.— BrisCrand21 (@BrisCrand) July 5, 2019
Sending him birthday wishes now after shunning him when he needed the clubs support during his cancer battle is just sanctimonious. Jonas gave his all for this club yet those at the top of the club treat him like a piece of rubbish. Get out of our club Mike. #nufc #ashleyout
— Mark Kilmister (@MarkKilmister) July 5, 2019
Once a Geordie always a Geordie as far as we the fans are concerned! But once you get cancer and become a problem as we don’t want to pay you – get out of our club – in heartless destroyer of our club, Mike Ashley’s eyes! You are a top man and an inspiration Jonas!
— Derek Y Williamson (@Toon_Soul_Del) July 5, 2019
We certainly understand the sentiments being expressed here as the treatment of Jonas by Mike Ashley was unconscionable. However, we feel it would have been far worse for the club to ignore his birthday as it is customary for the club to tweet out messages on the birthdays of former players.
Over the past month, messages were sent in recognition of four former player’s birthdays.
Today would have been Cheick Tioté’s 33rd birthday.
Gone but never forgotten. ?? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/B3DOkaEWHV
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 21, 2019
Happy birthday to former Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan! ??? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/8QNeRrnmUa
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 24, 2019
Happy 4?0?th birthday to former Newcastle defender Andy O’Brien! ??? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/YUICsLjWBc
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 29, 2019
Happy 6?0?th birthday, Mirandinha! ??? #NUFC pic.twitter.com/H1I6oJwhP3
— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) July 2, 2019
The club even used the phrase Jonas used earlier in the week when he commemorated his anniversary of joining the club – “Once a geordie always a geordie”.
July of 2008 , it was the beginning of something special. July del 2008 fue el comienzo de algo especial. Thanks geordie nation. Once a geordie always a geordie. Gracias geordies . @nufc https://t.co/Xa8DGmuxTK
— Jonas Gutierrez (@elgalgojonas) July 2, 2019
We think it would have been reprehensible not to send out well wishes to Jonas Gutierrez on his birthday and would show a further predilection towards vengeance on the part of Mike Ashley.
This is one thing the club got right in our opinion.
This article was originally posted here