Ashley eases shirt concern
09 Nov 2007 - 15:14:22
Newcastle United chairman Mike Ashley will watch Saturday's local derby against Sunderland with Magpies fans so that he can continue to wear his replica shirt.
Ashley regularly sports his black and white home shirt in the directors' box during matches both at St James' Park and other Premier League grounds.
But despite being given permission to do so on Saturday by Sunderland counterpart Niall Quinn, Ashley will join the 3,000 travelling fans at the Stadium of Light.
Local police had warned the gesture could cause unrest among some home supporters close to the directors' box.
"Niall Quinn and I have had some very constructive conversations on this topic," Magpies chairman Chris Mort told the club's official website.
"He understands Mike wants to wear his shirt for this game more than any other, but at the same time Mike doesn't want to cause anyone at Sunderland any problems by doing so.
"Mike has decided to watch the game with our fans behind the goal, and he's very much looking forward to doing so."