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The letter was received last week but, as editor Darren Thwaites explained in his statement earlier today, we chose to stay silent to ensure the story of our ban didn't disrupt the build-up to the vital derby game.

Dear Darren,

Regarding the following articles:

The Chronicle – “ Get out of Toon: Fans plan protest march in bid to oust Ashley ” (page 1 September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Toon campaign groups hoping to oust Ashley ” (pages 2 – 3, September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Fans hoping to replace Ashley ” (back page, September 7)

The Chronicle – “ Time for change – time for Newcastle fans to take charge of their own club ” (pages 50 – 51, September 7)

Sunday Sun – “ This weekend will prove how angry fans really are ” (pages 98 – 99, October 13)

The Journal – “‘ Lack of ambition’ sees fans take to the streets ” (page 12, October 19)

The Chronicle – “ March if you want him out ” (page 1, October 19)

The Chronicle - “ Anti-Ashley protesters set to take to the city’s streets ” (pages 2 - 3, October 19)

Sunday Sun – “ Hundreds join protest march as Kinnear outlines United’s position ” (page 96)

The Chronicle - “ Disgruntled fans hit out at Ashley ” (page 8, October 21)

The Journal – “ Fans are United in their opposition to Ashley ” (page 4, October 21)

ChronicleLive – “ Frustrated fans march Newcastle’s streets in Mike Ashley prote st” (October 21)

I write in reference to the above coverage in The Chronicle, The Journal and Sunday Sun regarding the protest march on Saturday 19 October by a small number of Newcastle United fans operating under the campaign name Time4Change.

It is quite frankly staggering that you devoted 15 full pages, including two front page splashes, a back page, three double-page spreads and a remarkable six full pages in one (September 7) in The Chronicle to a protest march which ultimately was attended by approximately 300 supporters. Even if the 1,000 supporters expected by the organisers had marched your coverage would have been disproportionate. Given the turnout was significantly less than this, in fact only just over a quarter of that anticipated, something your coverage following the march failed to reference or reflect whatsoever, you should be in no doubt as to the strength of feeling that exists within the club in relation to your coverage.

Indeed after reviewing all of the above articles, and in particular, the front page headline and a large map outlining the route of the march, spread over two pages in The Chronicle on 19 October it is our opinion there was an underlying message of encouragement and support provided by your titles in the lead-up to the day and on the day itself.

We feel strongly that the turnout at the march renders your extraordinary coverage completely disproportionate. Furthermore it is evident from the scale and prominence you devoted to it that your agenda was the pursuit of sales based on an anti-Newcastle United stance, rather than a fair and balanced approach.

We could never dream of generating this level of coverage, over such an extended time-frame, for some of our positive news such as some of the fantastic work undertaken by our Foundation in the local community which benefits so many or the recent announcement of reciprocal ticket pricing for away fans which received a fraction of the coverage of the march.

Having given due consideration to the above and your response to my email of Monday 21 October, the club’s owner, director of football, board of directors and team manager have reached a unanimous decision that the three NCJ Media titles, The Chronicle, The Journal and Sunday Sun, will not be permitted access to any media facilities, press conferences and player interviews at Newcastle United indefinitely and with immediate effect.

We do not require a reply to this letter, our position on this issue is not up for negotiation.

Yours sincerely,

Wendy Taylor

Head of Media, Newcastle United