Newcastle skipper Fabricio Coloccini has pleaded with fans planning to stage mass protests against manager Alan Pardew on Saturday to get behind the team instead.
The Magpies entertain Hull at St James' Park, with Pardew facing a furious revolt which he has described as "mass hysteria" after a poor start to the new Barclays Premier League season.
However, despite groups of fans preparing to make their views abundantly clear in a series of demonstrations, Coloccini has called for a united front.
Writing in his programme notes, the Argentinian said: "It will not be an easy game because Hull are a good team. It is very important that you are right behind us and support the team and the players who are on the pitch.
"You want to win every game, just like us, and we all want the best for this football club.
"We are football fans too, so we understand that things can get frustrating. But please, support the team for 90 minutes inside the stadium. We need your support.
"We have a lot of new players and a young squad. They need your backing, a push from you and a positive atmosphere to get the best out of them.
"Hopefully, you can cheer us on to three points and that will give our season a real boost."
Coloccini's request is unlikely to cut much ice in certain quarters, with supporters rounding on Pardew and owner Mike Ashley with a new-look squad struggling to make an impact.
The manager was subjected to a broadside during the final home game of last season against Cardiff, and the atmosphere is likely to be even more rebellious this weekend.
Source: PA
