Are you seriously telling me they didn't know what the backlash would be and that it wouldn't exactly sound like music to their ears? Ask yourself that question then think about why?
Too many Corinthians (or maybe Corbynites) who sanctimoniosly think our owners should act as paragons of propriety in a tank full of sharks and crocodiles. Like it or not football is and has been a dirty business. Just look at the last 30 years with the PL and CL. That doesn't mean I like it to be that way but I'm grateful we have owners who are clever enough to give predators a punch between the eyes.
In an ideal world a German type model would be much more acceptable and indeed I have advocated for it in fanzines many bluemoons ago. Fans do matter ...more than anything, but they understand the machinations and the majority will be be both indignant yet sanguine and pragmatic.
Just think of this before launching into fits of self flagellation
We didnt start the fire