Amanda Staveley hits back at Mike Ashley as post-takeover battle takes another twist
Amanda Staveley has labelled allegations by Mike Ashley as “embarrassing” and “irrelevant” according to High Court papers seen by the Daily Mail.
The court case relates to Ashley’s accusations that Staveley insulted him and the way he ran Newcastle United, in stating her desire to remove Sports Direct advertising hoardings from St. James’ Park.
Ashley is claiming her comments contravened an agreement ‘not to put him down in public’ as part of a £10m loan deal involving the sale of the club and as a result, is demanding immediate repayment of the loan and other legal costs associated with the sale.
In November, Staveley spoke about her “slight frustration” that the Sports Direct signage was still up, so photographs of the stadium without the hoardings in view could not be taken.
She claims her comments were merely linked to reporters’ questions regarding the EPL’s temporary ban on owner-linked sponsorship and did not amount to criticism of Ashley and his tenure at the club.
In addition, court papers from Staveley’s lawyers claim it was the club’s right to remove the signs and end the Sports Direct sponsorship deal, in order to seek new sponsorship - as Ashley had not paid any sponsorship fees for three seasons according the club’s accounts.
She also denies any involvement in fuelling ‘an atmosphere of animosity’ towards Ashley among supporters and the press.
As any Newcastle fan knows, Ashley had been receiving fierce criticism to create such an ‘atmosphere’ over his 14 year tenure - irrespective of any comments Amanda Staveley may have made!
