NEWCASTLE supporters are planning to take action after the club announced that Rafael Benitez will leave the club next week.
Newcastle announced on Monday that Rafael Benitez will leave on June 30 after failing to agree a new contract with club chiefs.
Benitez brought the club back to the top-flight as Champions in his first full season in charge before reinstalling the club as Premier League regulars.
Supporters were desperate for the Spaniard to stay at St. James Park for the foreseeable future as takeover talks rumble on, and have organised a protest in response to the news.
The Magpie Group, who describe themselves as a network of Newcastle supporter groups, tweeted out a request to fans.
It read: “In response to requests from supporters we are calling for a peaceful protest over the running of the club and specifically the departure of Rafa Benitez at the Sir Bobby Robson statue at 6pm this evening (Monday).”
Club legend Alan Shearer had predicted that Benitez would leave the club just hours before the statement was released, and has been outspoken in his criticism of the club.
He told the Newcastle Chronicle: "It looks complete and utter chaos and the lack of communication from the club is embarrassingly bad.
"Their world-class manager can walk away in a week’s time for nothing.
"But the only thing official we have heard from the club this summer is, ‘We are putting season ticket prices up five per cent’ and ‘This is our new home kit’.
“Why can’t anyone come out and say what the situation is with Rafa Benitez, as well as the proposed takeover, instead of just saying ‘no comment’?”
Shearer, Newcastle’s record goalscorer, has urged chiefs to sort out the “terrible situation” the club are in while accusing them of having no respect for supporters.
He continued: ”Where is the respect for the thousands and thousands of loyal fans?
"There is not a jot of thought for them even though they are the lifeblood of that football club. “They have been there a lot longer than Mike Ashley - and will be there long after he has gone.
"So inform them if their manager is staying or going, instead of informing them of increased season ticket prices and new kits.
“They deserve so much better as they are the best fans in the country. Nothing surprises me at Newcastle any more.
"But for the club to stay silent and seemingly let someone as talented and as special as Benitez leave for free, it really is a terrible situation."