Former Greek international footballer Nikos Dabizas is calling for the statue of Dennis Bergkamp to be ‘thrown in the Thames’, it has emerged.
The 46-year-old started an online petition this morning demanding the removal of the effigy. The petition, requiring 10,000 signatures for a government response, reads:
‘I, Nikolaos Dabizas, demand the bronze sculpture of 20th century Dutch maestro Dennis Bergkamp be torn down and thrown into the River Thames.
‘Its continued presence outside the Emirates Stadium is a constant reminder of that time he made me look a right mug. Furthermore, in a bid to cut any costs associated with the statue’s removal, myself, Andy O’Brien and Shay Given are willing to do it ourselves – free of charge’.
So far, the petition has been signed by five people including Dabizas himself, his mam, his nan and compatriot Theo Zagorakis. However, there has been an unlikely source of opposition to the move, with several Newcastle United supporters’ clubs demanding the statue is left alone.
Chairman of Shearer’s Bar Supporters’ Association, Declan Beardsley explained:
‘While a lot of us Geordies would love to see them tear down that statue of Bergkamp, it’s important we remember our past and build on the progress we’ve made. I think it was Carlos Santana who once said, ‘those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it’.
‘In another 20 years’ time, we don’t want our beloved Newcastle lining up with a defence containing players like Dabizas, O’Brien and f**king Titus Bramble’.
‘So, although the statue is a painful reminder of the time Dabizas got sent for his dinner, it’s an important milestone in the history of Newcastle football club’.
In other news, former Fulham chairman Mohamed Al-Fayed is flogging a Michael Jackson statue on Gumtree for £250 or nearest offer.
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