WWE star JD McDonagh embraced the role of pantomime villain as he riled up football and wrestling fans in Newcastle.
McDonagh, real name Jordan Delvin, took his opportunity to tease Magpies supporters by revealing a Liverpool shirt with Alexander Isak ‘s name on the back during the WWE event in the North East.
The 35-year-old was taking part in the WWE Live event at the Utilita Arena when he decided to take a swipe at the local fans.
It’s not unusual for McDonagh to sport a Liverpool shirt from time to time, with the Irishman known to be a huge fan of the club.
But when he took off his shirt to reveal a Reds top underneath this time, it was the printed ‘ISAK 9’ on the back.
As a result, McDonagh was met with a chorus of boos from the local crowd – adding even more fuel to an already fiery transfer saga.
As if the shirt wasn’t enough, McDonagh later took to social media to taunt Newcastle supporters even more, posting a video of the himself in the shirt alongside the caption hashtag #FreeIsak.
Alexander Isak has been caught up in the transfer saga of the summer as he tries to force his way out of St James’ Park.
Isak, 25, has made clear he wants to leave Newcastle this summer and has claimed that “promises were made” by the club that left him under the impression he would be able to move away.
The Swede hit out at Newcastle’s hierarchy in a statement online that saw him claim that “relationships can’t continue” and that his “trust is lost”.
Isak's statement in full
Alexander Isak shocked fans with a statement on social media claiming that promises had been broken by Newcastle...
He wrote: “I’m proud to be recognised by my fellow professionals with a place in the PFA Premier League Team of the Season for 2024-25.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my teammates and everyone at Newcastle United who has supported me along the way.
“I’m not at the ceremony tonight. With everything going on, it didn’t feel right to be there.
“I’ve kept quiet for a long time while others have spoken. That silence has allowed people to push their own version of events, even though they know it doesn’t reflect what was really said and agreed behind closed doors.
“The reality is that promises were made and the club has known my position for a long time.
“To now act as if these issues are only emerging is misleading.
“When promises are broken and trust is lost, the relationship can’t continue.
“That’s where things are for me right now – and why change is in the best interests of everyone, not just myself.”
However, Newcastle have stood resolute in their position that Isak is not for sale, even rejecting a £110million from Liverpool earlier in the window.
They fiercely responded to Isak’s comments with a statement of their own , claiming that “no commitment has ever been made by a club official that Alex can leave Newcastle United this summer.”
While they added that Isak will be “welcomed back when he is ready to rejoin his teammates”.
Isak is understood to have made clear that he will never play for Newcastle again.
The forward has been left out of Newcastle’s opening clashes of the season, including tonight’s feisty game against potential new club Liverpool , and is also training alone.
Sun Sport exclusively revealed earlier this month that Liverpool are set to return with a new and improved bid.
The Kop club have sanctioned a new British-record £130m offer for Isak in order to try and bring the saga to an end.
Newcastle, who remain steadfast in their stance that they won’t sell Isak, are desperately scrambling to bring in a new striker of their own this summer.
The Toon Army have seen a £50m bid for Wolves frontman Jorgen Strand Larsen turned down today , while they have also had two unsuccessful bids for Yoane Wissa of Brentford.
