United claims will be probed
Oct 2 2007 by Sam Wood, The Journal
NORTHUMBRIA Police last night confirmed they would be investigating allegations of bugging and secret filming at Newcastle United.
A national newspaper claimed over the weekend that security consultant Brian Tough was paid £40,000 a year to bug several phones including those of former manager Kevin
Keegan, Alastair Balls an ex-government adviser, and former Sunderland chairman Bob Murray, among others. There were also allegations of secret filming of Alan Shearer in a meeting with ex-chairman Freddie Shepherd, and the scuppering of the fans ‘Save our Seats’ campaign.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said last night: “We are looking into these reports and will be seeking to establish if there are any issues which require investigation by Northumbria Police.”
The current board in charge at Newcastle United again distanced themselves from the spying row. A spokesman for the club said: “This story relates to a previous era and is not relevant to how the club is run under the new regime.”
No comment was made on the police investigation.
On Sunday Freddie Shepherd denied any involvement in employing Mr Tough. “Mr Tough was never employed by me or the club,” he said.
One of those who was allegedly bugged was Alastair Balls, who was working on funding for Sunderland’s new stadium. Police found a transmitter but could not discover where it came from.
Mr Balls, who is now chief executive of the Centre for Life, said he feared for his family’s safety when the bugs were discovered.
“It is certainly true there were some bugs placed on my home telephone. My wife discovered them and called the police. The police told me the device had a range of 500 yards, and my home is surrounded by woodland.
“I was concerned someone may have been listening and could have put my children at risk.
“In terms of spying on any business it was a waste of time because I only use my home phone for domestic use,” he said.
Another alleged victim of the bugging was former Sunderland chairman Bob Murray. It was claimed information gained from the tap was used to embarrass the club over shirt sales.
Sunderland Football Club yesterday refused to comment on the allegations.
Other allegations included the tapping of Kevin Keegan’s phone when it was feared he was looking to move to a different club, the tapping of the phone of the then editor of The Journal, and the filming of Alan Shearer in a meeting in case he decided to leave the club.
