Rival fans everywhere express their awe at Newcastle United supporters’ stirring banner

"Don't ever give up on your club."

Newcastle United played out a 1-1 draw with Burnley last night in an impressive yet ultimately toothless display that encapsulated many of the club's on-pitch problems. However, it was a message about their off the field issues that stole the show. Prior to kick-off at St. James' Park, a group of Newcastle fans unfurled an enormous banner across the entire width of the stadium's famous Gallowgate End. Featuring a famous quote from Toon legend Kevin Keegan, the black and white banner took aim at owner Mike Ashley's stewardship of the club, which is seen by many on Tyneside and beyond as self-serving. Delivered by the former player and manager in 2008, the quote reads:

"Don't ever give up on your club. Keep supporting it, it's your club, trust me one day you will get your club back. It will be everything you wanted it to be. Newcastle Utd is bigger than anyone. It hurts, I know, just keep going."

Unsurprisingly, the banner struck just as much of a note with fans of other clubs, who hailed Newcastle supporters for their spirit and resolve, as well as the tone of their message. https://twitter.com/JohnnyTheNic/status/958789321942814720 https://twitter.com/NathanSmithOne/status/958799694460805121 https://twitter.com/MarkHarrison23/status/958787931220660224 https://twitter.com/NotMyBallMate/status/958837183674245122 Newcastle fans were particularly praised for choosing to protest in such a powerful and meaningful way, which emphasised just how important a football club is to a community and the people that inhabit it. https://twitter.com/DayofRusev/status/958865302770671617 https://twitter.com/MHChehade/status/958797806793314305 https://twitter.com/StevenLHughes/status/958797560575070209 https://twitter.com/AwayDays_/status/958792793857675264 https://twitter.com/TerraceImages/status/958790327422410752