Alexander Isak should have the ‘b***s’ to submit a formal transfer request instead of sulking on social media, Mark Clattenburg argues on the latest Whistleblowers podcast.
The former referee and Newcastle fan declared that ‘now is the time for the club to get rid’ of their star striker, after it became clear from reactions at the weekend’s game against Aston Villa that supporters loathe the Swede for downing tools.
The transfer saga took yet another turn before Monday’s Football Association awards, when Isak released a statement on Instagram accusing Newcastle of breaking promises to him.
The club responded with a statement of their own, denying Isak’s claims of a gentleman’s agreement to allow the Liverpool-linked striker to leave the club this summer.
Nearly a month has passed since Isak first refused to join Newcastle’s preseason tour, marking the beginning of a standoff that shows no signs of resolution.
‘It’s time to get rid’, Clattenburg told co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Gordon Smart.
‘When I saw the fans at Aston Villa, that was a turning point for me. Now is the time to get him out – if a player doesn’t want to play, get rid of him.
‘Enough is enough… Isak signed a contract, he was happy with that contract. If he’s that furious, why not put a transfer request in?
‘Why has he not got the b**** to do that, like the olden days, when players had to?’
Alexander Isak should have the ‘b***s’ to submit a formal transfer request instead of sulking on social media, Mark Clattenburg argues on the latest Whistleblowers podcast
Nearly a month has passed since Isak first refused to join Newcastle’s preseason tour , marking the beginning of a standoff that shows no signs of resolution
Clattenburg said Newcastle should take stronger disciplinary action against Isak for refusing to honour his contract
Newcastle fans interrupted makeshift striker Anthony Gordon’s post-match interview with anti-Isak chants following Saturday’s goalless draw.
The away end sang: ‘We don’t care about Isak, all we care about is NUFC’ as frustrated supporters vented their anger.
Clattenburg argued Newcastle should take stronger disciplinary action against Isak for refusing to honour his contract.
‘Why have they not fined Isak two weeks wages already?’, the referee asked.
‘Liverpool created this situation: we could of have had Hugo Ekitike, and they would have gotten what they wanted. They wanted both – but, wouldn’t we all?
‘If we’d signed Ekitike – this situation wouldn’t have happened.’
Daily Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman pointed out that many players now considered club icons had taken similar action to force moves to rivals.
Clattenburg countered that players like Gerrard and Rooney never refused to play for their clubs.
‘Fans can turn, but this has crossed a line’, Clattenburg said.
‘Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney never refused to play. Isak has refused to play.’
To hear Clattenburg’s rant about Isak in full and to hear the hosts debate whether Cole Palmer was worthy of his Balon d’Or nomination, search for Whistleblowers now, wherever you get your podcasts.
