Geordie singer opens up on abuse suffered from minority of Newcastle United fans

Newcastle United fan and Geordie singer Junior Turner has spoken out about abuse suffered online.

The singer released local anthem 'Banks of the River Tyne' last year, a track that quickly found its way into the hearts of locals.

Being a big football fan himself, Junior’s song also soon became quickly associated with Newcastle United, its music video was shot at St. James' Park and the song has been played inside the stadium since.

Despite the overwhelming support shown to the singer's track from people online, Junior has now spoken about the darker side of success he has had to put up with in recent weeks.

He said: "When the song came out there was always going to be people who didn't like it.

"That's the case with anyone's music.

"That's understandable and acceptable. It seems like there's a clique of people attacking us and different people in the Newcastle United fan base.

"When you look at their profiles they claim they are Newcastle United supporters which doesn't make any sense at all.

"I've always been taught to stand up for right or wrong. We're all human and after I hard day I chose to react.

"In doing so it ignites a circle of fire around you as then there's four, five, six that come out the floorboards.

"When you look at the Tweets on their profile it's an ongoing daily objective of theirs to ignite an argument."

'Banks of the River Tyne' is more than just a song for Junior, who suffers from multiple blood clots leaving the 37-year-old with a life expectancy of just 40.

For the singer, the anthem became something of pride to leave behind for the Newcastle United fanbase and Geordies further afield.

Speaking on the trolling online, he said: "Emotionally it's been awful.

"With my background and my health, here I am trying to leave a mark on my life.

"I'm trying to use who I am in life and leave something behind.

"It's quite personal to me more than anything.

"The last couple weeks I've had Covid and that's given them more fuel to attack. I can't understand the mentality of these people."

The police are aware of the abuse suffered by the singer, who calls on Twitter to add an identification verification process to help cut out online trolling.

The minorities online sending the hurtful messages have also brought out further support for Junior, many of whom Newcastle United fans flocking to provide messages of support.

The singer said: "I couldn't ask for more. It's nice to have that support.

"It's not just about the song, it's nice to know people are there in a time of need and see what's wrong.

"The song isn't mine, it's not just about Newcastle United, it's for the North East. I've had so many people say nice things."