Many Newcastle United supporters have been reacting on social media after Jonjo Shelvey responded to what he described as stupid and “embarrassing” criticism, as told to the Chronicle.
The Magpies have taken four of a possible twelve points from their opening Premier League games, having succumbed to defeat at home to Arsenal and humiliation on the road at Norwich City, before surprising some by beating Tottenham Hotspur in north London and then holding Watford to a point.
Steve Bruce even labelled the 3-1 defeat to Norwich a ‘debacle’, while it was the Toon boss who initially instructed Dutch left-back Jetro Willems to occupy a central midfield role at home to Arsenal (Independent), with the proceeding mix-up resulting in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang netting the would-be winning goal.
Some pundits, such as ex-Magpies striker Michael Chopra, have also suggested players have not been told their specific roles by Bruce, which Shelvey claims has frustrated parts of the dressing room.
“We had a chat in the dressing room. It was like: ‘Does anybody even know him?’” Shelvey told the Chronicle. “I know he played here, but he didn’t score loads of goals, its just people being busy to get their name in the paper.
“If they saw you – or Steve Bruce – in the street, they’d come up to you and try to talk. It’s just embarrassing. People can talk, but we need to stick together and keep it all in house. We have to do our media duties and that, but you can see in recent performances that we are together.”
He added: “The criticism the club are getting at the start of the season is just stupidity, it is embarrassing really.”
Newcastle fans reacting to Shelvey’s comments have been quick to point out the midfielder’s desire to secure an extension (The Sun) to his current £70,000-a-week (Spotrac) contract, which has two years to run.
Others have referred the 27-year-old’s comments back to his performances in the defeats to Arsenal, Norwich and in the Carabao Cup at home to Leicester City, after which Bruce dropped the 6-cap England international from the starting XI that would go on to beat Tottenham (TransferMarkt).
Here are a selection of the reactions shared…
Sure it has nothing to do with him wanting a new contract ?
— Big Cel (@BigCel5) 9 September 2019
Do it on the pitch. Ur boring.
— Cryteareons Collection (@icharliehunter) September 9, 2019
What a shocker He’s defending the guy who put him back in the lineup …..just wait till his form drops off and he’s dropped with it.
— Stuart Pearce (@stuart_pearce) September 9, 2019
Someone is desperate for a new contract…..
— Ian (@ian_riches) September 9, 2019
Too be fair some @Nufc fans have been https://t.co/vxugMPUVdp a ST holder/away follower for the last 25/30 years I’ve seen many ups and downs. Rafa did ok but far from the greatest ever manager at @Nufc,Bruce has done well since he arrived, especially because of the carnage
— steven mcdonnell (@stevenmcPGA) September 9, 2019
As someone on £70k+ a week and with one foot out the door under Rafa Benitez, to Steve Bruce and a possible new contract – of course he’s defending all sides.
— Kevin Doocey (@KevinDoocey) September 9, 2019
Jonjo you need to be concentrating on yourself rather than other things that’s happening at club etc
— Brian Robinson (@brobinson952) September 9, 2019
How’s the contract talks coming on? Need a boost maybe?
— vic bates (@victorbates) September 9, 2019
he’ll be criticising him by Christmas when he’s not getting any game-time.
— Man Like Design (@ManLikeDesign1) September 9, 2019
I think his inability and / or unwillingness to graft on the pitch is embarrassing
— Stewart (@costanza55) September 9, 2019
