Rio Ferdinand ends 2024 by asking for Newcastle United fans to show compassion - It ain't happening

Rio Ferdinand is one of those pundits who managed to slide his way onto the bad side of the Toon Army after his staunch defence of Mike Ashley during his time as Newcastle United owner.

The former Manchester United defender would, at any given opportunity, try and tell Newcastle fans how good we had it under the despotic rule of Mike Ashley as if he was the hired mouthpiece of the Sports Direct magnate.

Ferdinand famously told the Newcastle fans to put their hands in their pockets and buy the club from Ashley if they didn't like how he was running the club as if it was that simple.

So it should come as no surprise that Ferdinand was given pelters last night after Newcastle United batter Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Getty Images

Rio Ferdinand is having a hard time coming to terms with Man United being pants

Indeed, The Chronicle have reported that the former England star has issued a public plea to be left alone running with the following quote:

"My mind is frazzled because of what's happening at Man United. I'm out in Dubai and people are trying to ridicule me.

"I've got messages from people that I didn't even know were Newcastle fans on my phone this morning. It's a liberty so, please, it's new year's. Leave off it please guys and I wish everyone a wonderful new year and hope all your dreams and wishes come true."

Sorry, Rio, but you're fair game

Sorry mate, but we're a passionate bunch and we will hold onto a grudge after someone has publicly put us down on several occasions, calling us dreamers and saying we should be thankful for Mike Ashley spending his own money to get us out of the Championship.

Mate, that was his job as owner, and if he'd spent that money beforehand, we wouldn't have been relegated and he wouldn't have lost as much money.

So, no, we'll not leave you alone just because your beloved Man United have sunk into mediocrity, in fact, we're going to revel in it, and if you get caught up in that, you're just going to have to accept it.

I mean, it should go without saying that we don't condone personal abuse directed at Ferdinand, but we can still have our fun.