Newcastle United have been relegated from the English Premier League after 16 years in the top flight. The side lost 1-0 at Aston Villa last night, meaning Newcastle will play in England’s second tier next season.
Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, who was born in Newcastle and is a passionate fan of the club, ((Upon taking office, Abhisit received a Newcastle shirt from Britain’s ambassador to Thailand.)) is surely feeling down.
Nation: “Newcastle till I die: Abhisit.”
After watching his favourite football club, Newcastle United, lose their last Premier League game and get relegated in the process, Abhisit went to bed Sunday night with hope in his heart. And he wore a Newcastle necktie to work Monday morning to display his unwavering support for the club.
“Newcastle will be promoted back to the Premier League next year,” Abhisit told reporters Monday morning. “I’m still having strong faith in the club.”
Abhisit confirmed reports that he had intended to call Newcastle manager Alan Shearer. He hasn’t made such a call, though, probably because of Sunday’s heartbreaking result or because of uncertainties surrounding Shearer’s future.
And there’s this:
Meanwhile, Manchester City, which were owned briefly by his political rival, Thaksin Shinawatra, ended their League campaign right in the middle of the 20-team table, after beating Bolton Wanderers 1-0 on Sunday.
The AP also has a story: “Thai PM will still support Newcastle“:
Abhisit, sporting a tie bearing a Newcastle logo on Monday, says he watched the match and was not shocked by the result considering the team had so many injuries. He had planned to call the manager Shearer if the team won, but decided not to after the loss.
“I will continue to support the team and I believe they will make it back,” Abhisit said. “I still have faith in Newcastle.”