Sky reveal what NUFC players are now doing in protest against Mike Ashley - What a mess

It has been confirmed by Sky Sports today that Newcastle United players are now 'refusing' to cooperate with the media until the the latest 'bonus dispute' with Mike Ashley is resolved.

On the plus side, it seems there's now pressure being placed on Mike Ashley from both players, fans and Rafa Benitez - although this just emphasises the total idiocy that currently exists at board level.

As confirmed by Sky's Keith Downie, this dispute is purely between the club and players - and nothing to do with TV companies such as Sky Sports and BT Sports - however the squad are clearly taking a stand in a bid to get this sorted once and for all.

Here's what Sky's Keith Downie and Pete Graves have had to say about the situation today:

https://twitter.com/SkySports_Keith/status/1026468102769438720

https://twitter.com/PeteGravesSky/status/1026469155212546049

It was highlighted in The Mail last night that NUFC players were threatening not to fulfil media commitments as a result of this bonus dispute with Mike Ashley, and it seems they have now following through with those threats - refusing to do any pre-season shots for TV broadcasters today and failing to speak after recent defeats to Braga and Augsburg over the last few weeks.

A reminder that this all comes just five days away from the new season's big kick off.

What a mess.

https://twitter.com/lee_ryder/status/1026479002083647490