Friday, 12th September, 2014
Newcastle United have denied reports that their owner Mike Ashley is eyeing a bid to buy Scottish giants Rangers and banned British newspaper the Daily Telegraph from St. James' Park.
It had been reported that Ashley was ready to sell Newcastle and move to take control at Rangers in the process.
But the Magpies have wasted no time in denying the story. And they have also gone further by opting to ban the Daily Telegraph from St. James' Park as a result of the report.
Newcastle said in a statement: "Newcastle United has today banned the Daily Telegraph with immediate effect following a report published in its paper yesterday (Thursday, 11th September), headlined 'Newcastle United For Sale As Ashley Eyes Rangers', as well as a follow-up article from the same reporter which appears in the Daily Telegraph today (Friday, 12th September).
"The reports by Luke Edwards on 11th September, and again today (12th September), are wholly inaccurate and written with the intention of unsettling the Club, players and its supporters.
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"This is disgraceful journalism for which the Club and its supporters should receive a full and unreserved apology from those concerned.
"The truth is Mike Ashley remains committed to Newcastle United.
"For the avoidance of doubt, this means that for the remainder of this season and AT LEAST until the end of next season, Mike Ashley will not, under any circumstances, sell Newcastle United at any price.
"The Club cannot be stronger in stating its position on this matter.
"It is not acceptable for newspapers to print factually inaccurate reports that are damaging to the Club and to fail to check facts with Newcastle United ahead of publication and then expect to receive access to the Club.
"Newcastle United will not tolerate this and will take such action as it deems appropriate.
"The ban extends to all reporters working for, or freelancing on behalf of, the Daily Telegraph, as well as Luke Edwards in any capacity he may have working for the paper's sister title or on a freelance basis."
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