Liverpool fan and WWE star JD McDonagh annoyed Newcastle United fans on Tyneside on Sunday night with an Alexander Isak shirt.
The Irishman was taking part in WWE‘s Newcastle event, and after knocking his opponent to the ground, he turned and unveiled his top.
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There were initial boos when everyone could see that it was a Liverpool shirt.
McDonagh motioned for the crowd to be patient as he turned to reveal that he had Isak‘s name and the No.9 shirt on the back.
The abuse from the crowd then ramped up a notch, while the referee in the background had to restrain his opponent from getting to McDonagh, who twirled to show off his outfit.
He then cupped his ear to the spectators in the Utilita Arena just off the banks of the River Tyne.
Read more on Isak
It would be fair to say it wasn’t a very popular decision from McDonagh.
Newcastle take on Liverpool this evening in the Premier League, live on talkSPORT, and the game is expected to be fiery.
This is due to the ongoing Isak saga and Liverpool, which was why the people of Newcastle were so annoyed at this gimmick from McDonagh.
Why did everyone hate McDonagh’s shirt so much?
Newcastle’s star striker Isak is wanted by Liverpool, and talkSPORT understands the forward wants to move to Anfield.
However, the Magpies insist the Swedish international isn’t for sale and have rejected Liverpool’s only offer of £110million.
The Reds have no intention of bidding again unless the Toon show some willingness to accept an offer.
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This has left Newcastle manager Eddie Howe in an awkward situation because Isak has taken things to another level.
The striker hasn’t played a minute of pre-season after not going on tour with the rest of his teammates.
He then went to Spain to train on his own while the Toon squad were in Asia.
And since their return, Isak has been training away from the main group.
The former Real Sociedad forward took no part in Newcastle’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa on the opening weekend and won’t be involved against Liverpool.
After being named in the PFA Team of the Year for last season, Isak elected not to attend the event and released the following statement on Instagram.
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“I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024/25.
“First and foremost I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time. To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue. That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
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‘Sad moment’ – Eddie Howe left gutted by Alexander Isak statement in latest update on Newcastle future
In response, Newcastle issued their own statement in which they denied Isak had been promised anything.
But as the close of the transfer window approaches, time is running out for Isak and Liverpool.
If the Reds want the forward, they have to come to the table with an improved offer, with the Magpies looking for a £150m, which would be a Premier League transfer record.
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If no offer is forthcoming, Isak will remain a Toon player at least until January and then it is up to him if he will reintegrate or continue to not play.
Therefore, any act around Isak from a Liverpool fan on Tyneside was always going to go down badly.
