Newcastle United sponsor trolls unpopular former player after major backlash

Former Newcastle United player turned pundit Jermaine Jenas has been called out on social media after contradicting himself on a major campaign urging football fans to not abuse referees.

Weeks after fronting a FA and Premier League campaign about protecting match officials from relentless abuse, the 40-year-old took to social media during the North London derby on Sunday to voice his frustration at ref Robert Jones, swearily writing: ‘Complete ****house of a referee! They’re all ruining our game!’

It created a storm online and now former Toon front-of-shirt sponsor, FUN88, have weighed in in a way that will please some Geordies.

Juxtaposing Jenas’ campaign video alongside his comments towards the ref on social media, FUN88 said: ‘A story in four pictures,’ alongside the sweating emoji.

The pundit has since apologised for his comments, writing: “I hold my hands up, I got it wrong yesterday.

“I should know, more than most, the responsibility we have as fans, players and pundits and the impact our words online can have as it’s an area I’ve been vocal in.

“My emotions got the better of me and I apologise to The FA and to all match officials.”

Jenas joined Tottenham Hotspur from Newcastle in 2005 after three years at the club. But in 2018 he made some unsavoury comments about his time in black and white saying his performances dropped after returning from international duty because the ‘demand wasn’t as high at Newcastle’.

This led to major backlash amongst United fans, with former teammate Alan Shearer publicly hitting out and tweeting: “On behalf of me and my teammates at the time, we apologise Jermaine Jenas for not being up to your level when you returned from England games!!?”