Following Newcastle United’s impressive 4-1 victory against Chelsea over the weekend, Mehrdad Ghodoussi stirred up controversy with a post on X, suggesting that fans should generate more noise in the stadium. Despite the post being deleted, Ghodoussi’s call for increased volume sparked heated discussions among supporters.
In the aftermath of the game, Ghodoussi, along with Jamie Reuben, hinted that fans should amplify their presence during matches. Ghodoussi’s deleted post explicitly stated, “we need to be louder,” triggering diverse reactions among fans.
Opinions varied among supporters, with some agreeing that there was merit to Ghodoussi’s statement. Conversely, others directed blame toward the owners, citing issues like a flawed ticketing system and an excessive reliance on corporate hospitality as factors dampening the atmosphere. Some fans also argued that specific sections of the stadium didn’t carry crowd noise effectively, contributing to perceived quietness in certain areas.
Often, our intentions and words don't align perfectly. I believe most of you know how deeply I'm committed to this club; my heart beats in black and white, and my love for the club and all of you is unwavering. Let's keep our fingers crossed for tonight, we stand united. Here's…
— Mehrdad Ghodoussi (@ghodoussi) November 28, 2023
Acknowledging the multifaceted nature of creating a vibrant atmosphere, observers noted that exceptional game-day atmospheres, particularly since the club’s takeover, shouldn’t be expected as the norm. Despite the differing opinions, many emphasized that everyone is entitled to their viewpoint, as long as the passionate Toon Army continues to show up, sing, and support the team.
In response to the controversy, Mehrdad Ghodoussi addressed the situation and issued a quasi-apology through his X account ahead of the Paris Saint-Germain match. It was suggested that Ghodoussi’s initial comments may have been innocent but suffered from the inherent difficulty of conveying tone through written words, leading to potential misinterpretation by readers. Ultimately, the consensus emphasized the importance of the fanbase’s continued support, regardless of differing opinions.