“What are that lot doing over there? You wouldn’t find me doing that in the pissing rain!”



For one Arsenal fan, wearing a red-and-white jersey on the outside of her jumper and holding a waterproof over her head, the sight of Newcastle United supporters standing outside Sports Direct on Northumberland Street at 12.45pm in the pouring rain is curious.



“We want Ashley out, we want Ashley out!” they yell, along with some rather less complimentary chants about the man who has owned the club for more than 12 years.



After speeches are made via megaphone, a group of angry supporters numbering in their hundreds march down Northumberland Street, past Grey’s Monument, along Blackett Street, alongside Old Eldon Square, up Leazes Park Road and ultimately along Strawberry Place, stopping opposite the club’s official shop at about 1.15pm.



Alongside flags of club legends Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer — who have both...