Deeney clears up Newcastle comments with offer to fans ahead of awkward reunion

The talkSPORT host saw his popularity on Tyneside go down the toilet when he claimed Newcastle was not as desirable a place to live as London.

The former Premier League striker was discussing the challenges that the Magpies would face in competing for the top four and said that to players from abroad could be more tempted by a move to the capital rather than England's north east.

Deeney's comments were made during an appearances on CBS Sports Golazo for the coverage of Newcastle's Carabao Cup semi-final win over Arsenal.

Shortly after the comments were made, Deeney and co-host Geoff Shreeves went to speak with some fans to preview the match with one Newcastle supporter making her feelings very clear.

"He was absolutely savaged by a Newcastle United fan," Shreeves explained to viewers.

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"This lady took great exception to something he said on CBS about Newcastle not being a nice place to live."

But telling the story of what really happened, Deeney is adamant his comments were taken out of context.

"Apparently there was a video of someone having an argument with me, but it wasn't an argument.

"The lady decided to let her feelings on what I said about Newcastle known to me, but even that got taken out of context.

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"The question I was asked was 'if Newcastle are to get into the top four consistently, what are the struggles?' My argument was that they have to deal with the fact that people want to live in London - especially foreign players when they come over - they think of London.

"So you've got Spurs, Chelsea, Arsenal who will be able to attract those players more than Newcastle.

"It's less desirable - that's what I said, but some wally wrote that I'd said Newcastle was a s***hole and so if you're going to do that and take my words out of context then f*** it, I'll play the game.

"It's not a s***hole, it's a nice place. I've been there on a night out. Floritas is a f***ing unbelievable gaff, followed by Tup Tup - I've been there many times and it's a good place.

"I love St James' Park but [the fan] decided to have her say which is fine because you can't have an opinion like I do and then get offended when someone else has one.

"She was effing and jeffing and if you see the video, I'm just laughing but remember there are TV cameras here so we're not going to put you on TV if you're swearing."

There's definitely not going to be any feelings of awkwardness, though and is keen to get back to the area soon.

"It is what it is. I've got no problems with anyone from Newcastle and I'm actually going to be up there for the return leg. I'm sure some people will have their say so come and say hello, I'll be there. I'm not going to run away."

To show there were no hard feelings from Deeney's side, he signed off his interview by blowing a kiss to the Newcastle fans.

Newcastle secured fourth spot in the 2022/23 Premier League season, leading to a memorable campaign in the Champions League the following year.

While last season saw them finish seventh in the table, Eddie Howe's side are currently just one point off the top four this term with the prospect of Champions League football firmly on the radar again.

Among that squad are globally-renowned names including Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak, with Howe saying he had 'never experienced someone not wanting to come here because of the area'.

Newcastle will host Arsenal in the Carabao Cup semi-final second leg on February 5 in a match that could bring fireworks on the pitch.

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After Deeney's comments, his trip to St James' Park could bring fireworks off it as well.

Never change, Troy.