Newcastle supporters rage as Ashley has St James' Park sign ripped off famous stadium

Mike Ashley has never been the Toon Army's favourite person but the Newcastle owner's latest stunt has sparked outrage among supporters.

Ashley announced last year that St James' Park would be renamed the Sports Direct Arena - after his company - and today a new sign was put up as the old name was ripped down.

Drivers passing the ground shouted 'disgrace' as a shame-faced worker - armed with a crowbar to prise off the letters - said: 'I don't want to do this, I should be doing this in the dark.'

End of an era: The sign is ripped off Newcastle United's famous stadium

And the workers made a sharp exit to avoid unwanted attention when a film crew turned up to record the death of one of English football's iconic landmarks.



The home of the Magpies has been known as St James' Park since 1892 but Ashley changed the name in November.

One fan, Phil Cammish, 27, of Fenham, Newcastle, said: 'I walked past this afternoon and saw a man taking down the signs by the main entrance.



'They were using a crowbar to take each letter off. I was outraged - it will always be St James' Park to me.'

It'll take a bit of getting used to: People stop and stare at the new sign on the home of the Magpies

Newcastle planned to sell the stadium-naming rights in 2009 but reached a compromise after resistance from supporters.



Since then it has been known — although not recognised locally — as sportsdirect.com@St James’ Park.



Ashley is the founder of the high-street sportswear retailer.



