Newcastle fans against stadium naming deal

English Newcastle United Stadium has been renamed to reflect a conjunction with online sportswear company sportsdirect.

For the next six months, the stadium will be called sportsdirect.com @St James’ Park. 

Newcastle United Supporters Trust (NUST), has already gathered 16,000 signatures on a petition against the stadium name. Fans are furious regarding the change, stating ‘We strongly believe the name and the soul of our ground is not theirs to sell.’

The deal, which does not generate any revenue for the club, is yet another reason for fans to desire new ownership. Current owner Mike Ashley has angered fans since soon after his takeover in 2007. They plan to hold a demonstration Saturday at the match against Peterborough United FC.

Other stadiums, newer ones, have been named under sponsorship deals, such as the Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium.