As the Newcastle United players turned away from the travelling fans, having stood for several minutes in their usual post-match display of mutual appreciation, the Geordies sang their first and only chant about Alexander Isak.

It was not a flattering one. Something about being motivated by money, with another insult thrown in that appeared to question his parentage. “There is only one greedy b-----d,” they sang.

They had waited until the end of the game to vent their anger and frustration with the Sweden international, preferring to support the players who are willing to play for the club rather than the one who is not. You cannot blame them for doing so.

That is what manager Eddie Howe would have preferred. Support the team, not chastise someone who was not there. “The supporters acte

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