Gabby Agbonlahor is the one spouting 'nonsense' after bizarre attack on Newcastle United group

This won't be a game that will live long in the memory for obvious reasons. However, Alexander Isak will never forget what greeted him when he walked out at St James' Park before Newcastle United's defeat against West Ham.

To Isak's right, in the Gallowgate End, there was a huge display featuring an Eritrean flag, a Sweden flag and a banner that read 'Alexander the Great'. To his left, in the Leazes End, a sea of blue and yellow wavers spelt out 'Isak' in his country's colours. No wonder Isak calls this place 'home'.

"I want to take my time to thank @worflags and the fanbase for this incredible experience walking onto the pitch and seeing this!" he wrote. "Truly overwhelming and a moment I will never forget."

It is hard to imagine anyone taking issue with a display that was beamed out across the world. Aside from Gabby Agbonlahor, that is.

"I don't like it," the former Aston Villa striker told talkSPORT. "I'm looking at that and saying, 'Has he signed a new contract? What about the other players?' If you're [Bruno] Guimaraes, what are you saying? If you're other players in the team, what are you saying?

"Newcastle fans have done it because they are trying to show so much appreciation and love that he doesn't leave. I get it because they love him but would Manchester United do that? No. Aston Villa have done it for [Emi] Martinez after he won the World Cup.

"Isak had his worst game in a Newcastle shirt last night. I thought it was a bit too much and maybe Newcastle fans need to chill. What's next? Red carpet outside the stadium for him when he walks out? Nonsense."

You can only laugh. As well as saluting Eddie Howe and his side over the years, and club legends such as Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan, Wor Flags have paid tribute to a number of players with individual displays, including Bruno Guimaraes (who certainly won't have taken issue with Isak getting his turn), Jamaal Lascelles, Sandro Tonali, Miguel Almiron and Anthony Gordon.

Such is Howe's respect for Wor Flags, the Newcastle boss even invited members of the fan group to give a presentation to players and staff at the training ground about the cost and time that went into each display in an effort to keep the players inspired and focused in the final week-and-a-half of the campaign in 2022. When Newcastle have tried to recruit players, Howe has tellingly made a point of ensuring they understand what it means to play at St James' and highlighted those displays, which show potential signings 'the passion of our fanbase and what they could be part of here'.

"What Wor Flags does is truly special," the Newcastle boss previously said. "The atmosphere they create, especially for big games, gives us a real edge. It’s not just about the visuals, impressive as they are. It’s about the passion and unity they represent. Our players feel that energy and it drives them on."

Although Newcastle suffered a 2-0 defeat against West Ham at St James' last time out, there is a reason why Howe's team have only lost nine top-flight fixtures at home since the Magpies head coach took charge of a side in deep relegation trouble three years ago. Players, staff and fans alike have come together and fed off one another when St James' has been at its ferocious best and Wor Flags have played their part in that. They certainly don't 'need to chill'.

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