Alexander Isak should have the 'b***s' to submit a formal transfer request instead of sulking on social media, Mark Clattenburg argues on the latest Whistleblowers podcast.
The former referee and Newcastle fan declared that 'now is the time for the club to get rid' of their star striker, after it became clear from reactions at the weekend's game against Aston Villa that supporters loathe the Swede for downing tools.
The transfer saga took yet another turn before Monday's Football Association awards, when Isak released a statement on Instagram accusing Newcastle of breaking promises to him.
The club responded with a statement of their own, denying Isak's claims of a gentleman's agreement to allow the Liverpool-linked striker to leave the club this summer.
Nearly a month has passed since Isak first refused to join Newcastle's preseason tour, marking the beginning of a standoff that shows no signs of resolution.
'It's time to get rid', Clattenburg told co-hosts Ian Ladyman and Gordon Smart.
'When I saw the fans at Aston Villa, that was a turning point for me. Now is the time to get him out – if a player doesn't want to play, get rid of him.
'Enough is enough… Isak signed a contract, he was happy with that contract. If he's that furious, why not put a transfer request in?
'Why has he not got the b**** to do that, like the olden days, when players had to?'
Newcastle fans interrupted makeshift striker Anthony Gordon's post-match interview with anti-Isak chants following Saturday's goalless draw.
The away end sang: 'We don't care about Isak, all we care about is NUFC' as frustrated supporters vented their anger.
Clattenburg argued Newcastle should take stronger disciplinary action against Isak for refusing to honour his contract.
'Why have they not fined Isak two weeks wages already?', the referee asked.
'Liverpool created this situation: we could of have had Hugo Ekitike, and they would have gotten what they wanted. They wanted both – but, wouldn't we all?
'If we'd signed Ekitike – this situation wouldn't have happened.'
Daily Mail Football Editor Ian Ladyman pointed out that many players now considered club icons had taken similar action to force moves to rivals.
Clattenburg countered that players like Gerrard and Rooney never refused to play for their clubs.
'Fans can turn, but this has crossed a line', Clattenburg said.
'Steven Gerrard or Wayne Rooney never refused to play. Isak has refused to play.'
To hear Clattenburg's rant about Isak in full and to hear the hosts debate whether Cole Palmer was worthy of his Balon d'Or nomination, search for Whistleblowers now, wherever you get your podcasts.
Towabdouz
0
if liv sign isak for over 100m then liv r not winning anything from that day on trust me....is bcos player won't gave their everything for the club why bcos...hey u hv ekiteke..hey salah can do it... how about flo he's 116m than gakpo can play n than liv will not win any game no one in the team hv passion to win
ratacnotyz
0
isak , salah ,ekitike awesome , fearless powerful combination!!!
Hikinosu
5
Lol if newcastle had signed Ekitike, they wont sell isak either. They want them to play together. Liverpool is wise enough to know.
pedclnopst
3
At the end of the day Newcastle will surely sell him because it has happened to so many clubs and players including Liverpool, so there is nothing new. The following are some of them:
tutabdklmz
1
His words are clear that his relationship with the club is over so y a u forcing him what he does not want y
jiobdmpru
3
Newcastle hold so hard on lsak, they keep insisting he is not for sell, Liverpool have to go for Ekitike in case lsak fail out. Newcastle wanted lsak and Ekitike to pair. Liverpool should not be blamed for lsak affair. Newcastle is the most substandard club in the premiership in terms of transfers business
Yumikmnu
2
The player is under contract. Why is everybody making it a Newcastle problem? What was he thinking when signing the contract? If he wants to leave, get Liverpool to pay what Newcastle is asking for, that's all. Why is this plenty of noise? If Liverpool won't pay, then be a man enough to buy yourself out of the contract like what neymar did simply.
Yoybekruyz
2
I don't understand this particular part this man is say liverpool cause the hole thing liverpool approached your club with an offer which they rejected and went for Ekitike and Howe claiming he wanted to pair the 2 of them imagine Newcastle feeling like Madrid already
Widbiltz
1
Newcastle should have signed Ekitike before Liverpool did. They were foolish with the way they were bargaining. Now they're hiking the price for Isak
Pizadiknrs
3
it's never our fault. We came for Isak, Newcastle refused, we went for Ekitike, now Newcastle is complaining. Isak should hand in an official transfer request before his football career is ruined.
Tobbclnpry
3
agreed, should submit a request
ribbdilmn
3
The club made it spent and it’s time to sleep in it. They made promises to the player that they did not keep. They agreed to raise his wages, but they couldn’t do it for PSR reasons. They had a chance to buy strikers to replace him but they feel that that. After all this fans won the player to pay for the mistakes of the club. When are Newcastle fans going to blame the club for the way they are handling this? At the end of the day, the club is ultimately responsible. It’s time for Newcastle United to enjoy last season in Europe
Chrismaris1
3
So suddenly Liverpool caused the situation? so Liverpool caused Newcastle to go back in their promise to new view his contract? do you think a player will just come up with such story to force a move if it never took place close doors? you really think Isak woke up and told his agent lets cook up a story and sell and force a move this summer ? you guys are daft. Before a player acts out in this manner something seriously has gone wrong especially from the club themselves...
zeabeprstz
2
I think Clattenburg is right, he should be bold enough to tender transfer request
Votaeikpty
2
leave the man to go he knows what he wants in his football career