But Newcastle have been a farce (well, a black-and-white comedy) for years. Pissing off the messiah on his second coming by selling his favourite player is just another scene.

More astonishing is the whole Manchester City saga; at the moment, it's like watching an express train full of playful monkeys hurtling towards a broken bridge - yes, it's fun, it's sure to end in tragedy, but even that will somehow raise a smile.