Treatment of Benitez by Ashley is ‘ridiculous’

RADIO pundit Micky Gray has hit out at Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over his ‘ridiculous’ behaviour towards Magpies’ boss Rafa Benitez.

With the transfer window closing on August 9, Benitez’s frustrations at the club’s hierarchy were revealed in the post-match press conference after the 4-0 defeat to SC Braga – and Gray believes the Spaniard should walk away.

The one-time Sunderland captain believes Ashley tried to ‘sell off’ Benitez (pictured right) after allegedly offering the manager to the Spanish Football Federation on the eve of the World Cup after Spain sacked Julen Lopetegui just two days before the kick-off.

Gray said: “It looks to me like they have gone behind his back and tried to sell him off.

“I don’t know what his contract is at Newcastle and what his salary is every year but he has had so many opportunities to walk away - why should he?

“He has gone in there and done a job - an absolutely brilliant job.

“He is loved and adored by the Newcastle supporters, they want him backed in the transfer windows - it has not happened in the way he thought it would. “They have talked about this big takeover with Amanda Staveley coming into Newcastle - that has not worked. “Mike Ashley has put the club up for sale about three or four times, I don’t know if it is still up for sale – I am sure it is if the right price comes along – but to go behind his back and sell him off if you like to Spain just before the World Cup and receive the letter two days after they have appointed Fernando Hierro is ridiculous. “If I was in the position Benitez is in, and I know whatever I sayk about Newcastle United I am going to be criticised, I would walk away.”