Newcastle United embroiled in ‘very naughty’ Westminster controversy – Keith Wyness
Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has hit out at Conservative Party leadership hopeful Robert Jenrick for his “very naughty” Newcastle antics.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed Jenrick was “wrong” and the Magpies have “every right” to be angry with the 42-year-old.
Newcastle has distanced itself from the Tory leadership candidate after he filmed a promotional video with former owner Sir John Hall in St James’ Park.
The club’s communications department even suggested the Magpies had been duped into allowing them to film on the hallowed turf.
Jenrick is one of six confirmed candidates vying to replace Rishi Sunak as leader of the opposition following the crushing election defeat in July.
Newcastle right to hit out at ‘terrible’ Robert Jenrick antics, says Wyness
All 11 Tyne and Wear constituencies are represented by Labour Members of Parliament.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I think this is terrible.
“Robert Jenrick, who is a contender to become the Tory Party leader, interviewed Sir John Hall – and were very naughty to do that on the pitch and in the stadium.
“To try and get the kudos from the club is wrong.
“This is where I’ve always been so angry with politicians. When there’s an election or something like this, they always try and get an association with football.
“It’s wrong for politics to use football like this. It’s very naughty, the club have said so – and it may well rebound on Jenrick.
“People can see through it pretty quickly.
“The club won’t have endorsed it, I’m sure, because they remain neutral. It was wrong for Jenrick to do that.
“It’s not the right thing to do and Newcastle have every right to be angry.”
In other news, Newcastle’s January “priority” signing is revealed.
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