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This is the moment a petition demanding Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley backs Rafa Benitez and stops “exploiting” the club was presented to the House of Commons.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah officially delivered the petition on behalf of three Tyneside MPs, saying “Rafa Benitez needs the support of both fans and the club’s owner”.

It follows the creation of a separate online petition by NUFC fans, in which they warn: “If Rafa Goes We Go.”

The fans say that they’ve “had enough” of Magpies owner Mr Ashley, who is also the founder of Sports Direct, and won’t spend any money at either the retail giant or Newcastle United until manager Benitez signs a long-term deal, or the club is sold.

Presenting the petition in the Commons, Ms Onwurah said: “I present this petition with the support of my friends the Honourable Members for Gateshead, Ashington [Wansbeck] and North Tyneside who, like me, are Newcastle United fans and represent Newcastle United fans.

“It also comes from the #IfRafaGoesWeGo campaign and online petition directed against Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley.

“The petition declares that football is an integral part of Newcastle upon Tyne’s social, economic and cultural wellbeing, notes that fans of Newcastle United are heavily invested - both financially and economically - in the success of the team.

“Further, that the current manager Rafa Benitez needs the support of both fans and the club’s owner; that this support should include investment in players, training facilities and community engagement...the owner Mike Ashley has not made this support forthcoming.

“The petitioners therefore request the House of Commons urge that the Government take action to prevent unscrupulous football club owners from exploiting the clubs, their fans and local communities with particular reference to Mike Ashley and Newcastle United Football Club.”