Newcastle United have had an arduous campaign.

While there have been some great moments for Newcastle this season, consistency has been a real issue.

The search for that most vital of traits in top teams has not been made easy by injuries, of course.

Whether or not you believe the injury crisis is enough to blame a difficult season on is up for debate. Alan Shearer certainly doesn’t seem to think so.

Indeed, the problems have been so bad that the likes of Joe Cole have suggested the crisis cannot be down to just bad luck from a Newcastle perspective. Eddie Howe has even admitted to making mistakes when it comes to dealing with injured players.

So then, it will be strange to see Howe’s side jet off to Australia for friendlies against Tottenham and A-League All Stars XI three days after the season end. That hardly seems conducive to help keeping players fresh after a gruelling year and with a European Championship to come.

The decision has been derided in some circles, while even Gareth Southgate suggested it was a “bizarre” move but one perhaps necessary to generate more money amid FFP concerns.

Now, some insight into what the players think about it all has emerged.

Why Newcastle players are furious behind the scenes

According to the Daily Mail, several members of the squad are unhappy about the prospect of flying all the way to Australia for two games so soon after the curtain falls on this season.

One of their sources even goes as far as to suggest they are “furious”.

It is believed Newcastle will generate around £3m for the tour, as well as provide long-term commercial benefits.

Why are Newcastle playing Tottenham in Australia?

Clearly, it is to raise money during a period in which the club are trying to keep on the right side of the Premier League’s PSR rules.

Still, The Athletic last month reported that Newcastle view the invitation to participate in the mini-friendly tournament as a sign of their progress in recent years.

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