Source: Telegraph
Mike Ashley won't risk Newcastle fans' wrath on return
The sports retail tycoon will watch Newcastle take on Manchester City at Eastlands, but it seems he will enjoy the comfort of the directors' box or an executive box rather than don his replica shirt and sit among restive travelling fans. [LNB]It will be the first time Ashley has witnessed a Newcastle game live since he was spotted watching on during a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal last August. [LNB]The club were rocked days later when manager Keegan quit Newcastle and a fans' backlash against the 'Cockney Mafia' prompted him to put the club up for sale amid fears for his family's safety. Ashley could also be present when his director of football, Dennis Wise, holds talks with City's executive chairman Garry Cook in an attempt to finalise goalkeeper Shay Given's £10 million move from Newcastle. [LNB]Given's understudy Steve Harper has signed a new 3½-year contract and is expected to face City alongside Joey Barton, who could face a hostile reception on his first return to the club since a £5.8 million transfer to Tyneside. [LNB]Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear has been fined £500 by the Football Association for branding Martin Atkinson a "Mickey Mouse referee" following a 2-1 defeat at Fulham on Nov 9. [LNB]A charge of using abusive and insulting words towards a match official during his side's 2-2 draw with Stoke on Dec 6 was found "not proved". [LNB]
