A man started berating a parody of Newcastle owner Mike Ashley on Twitter after the billionaire confirmed that he wanted to keep his Sports Direct shops open while the UK was in lockdown.

The sporting goods retail entrepreneur attempted to justify the move in a letter to staff members claiming that sales would be essential for the British public as they would need to exercise while stuck at home.

Just a fan saying how incredible I am. #nufc https://t.co/qxzglAgf7w

— Mike Ashley (@MoneyMikeAshley) March 24, 2020

Reacting to this, one user of the social network began to argue with a Mike Ashley parody account over the decision:

Are you seriously leaving your shops open? You misguided selfish person. What about your staff safety? You are are incredible

— stu (@mizunomanmp18) March 24, 2020

I rest my case. Just to make you completely clear, I am NOT a fan, you are without doubt the most irresponsible person I have seen. You are driven by profit at all costs it appears even if this is at the expense of your staff. #shutyourshops

— stu (@mizunomanmp18) March 24, 2020

If you allow Ashley to keep his shops open there will be no Toon Army left for you to watch.

— stu (@mizunomanmp18) March 24, 2020

Really? Then i apologise.
Thoughts still the same though. I would call on all the toon army to contact him then.

— stu (@mizunomanmp18) March 24, 2020

There has since been sufficient backlash amid suggestions from the government, that the stores have now closed and employees won’t have to come into work.