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Ian Pearson-Brown was brought up with Newcastle United in his blood.

He was there for the club’s remarkable rise up through the leagues - and has followed them, home and away, from the heyday of Kevin Keegan’s time in charge to the turbulence of the Mike Ashley era.

Like many LGBTQ+ people, he struggled with his sexuality – and in his own words, he became ‘the most homophobic gay man you’d ever meet’, as he hid the fact he was gay while sometimes even joining in with discriminatory chants on the terraces.

So, to say that a young Ian would have been surprised to see himself as co-chair of United with Pride – Newcastle United’s LGBTQ+ supporters group – would be a massive understatement!

And speaking of understatements, it's fair to say that neither Ian nor United with Pride have had the easiest of times since the Saudi Arabia-backed takeover of Newcastle United was confirmed last month.

So, there’s plenty for us to get into in this episode – from United with Pride’s decision to welcome and work with the new owners; what might make them reconsider that decision; the social media abuse they’ve received over the past few weeks; Ian’s own love of Newcastle United; his own personal journey; some of his most memorable moments as a fan; and so much more.

It’s all in an episode that's sure to get people talking – and we’re grateful that Ian has taken the time to join us for it.

WANT TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR GUESTS?
@ianpearsonsinrg
@utdwithpride

WANT TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE PODCAST?
@jack_murley
jack.murley@bbc.co.uk

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