LABOUR leader Ed Miliband yesterday urged Newcastle United bosses to think again over the renaming of St James’ Park.
Mr Miliband said football clubs were not just about the “bottom line” and that Newcastle United should be able to find a “better way” that respected the wishes of fans.
Local MPs have already expressed their anger at the decision to rename St James’ Park the Sports Direct Arena.
And the Labour leader’s intervention will increase the political pressure on the club.
Managing director Derek Llambias has said the change of name will generate vital finance to allow the club to move forward.
But Mr Miliband said: “Football clubs are more than just about the bottom line. They are important to fans and their communities.
“I know the fans are very upset. Surely the club must be able to find a better way, which respects the wishes of fans.”
In a further development, Newcastle Central MP Chi Onwurah has tabled a written Parliamentary question asking the Department for Business about the effects of renaming of the stadium.
She asked: “With regard to the naming of local landmarks on maps does the Ordnance Survey use the name chosen by the owner of the landmark or the name in common local usage?”
Commenting on the decision to rename the stadium, the Labour MP said: “St James’ Park has been a local landmark and, indeed, a place of pilgrimage for 120 years.
“I appreciate the attempts to put the club on a firm financial footing, but taking away a local landmark is not the way to do it.”
