Club Statement: Daily Telegraph

Caught lying again (The Telegraph)

Newcastle United feels it has been left with no alternative but to respond to a report published by The Telegraph yesterday, headlined 'Newcastle and Rangers will not be able to play in Europe together next season because of Mike Ashley. Exclusive: Mike Ashley's seizure of power at Ibrox means Newcastle may never play in Europe again while he remains club owner.'

The article stated that 'Uefa have confirmed Newcastle United and Rangers will not be allowed to play in Europe together, even if they qualify for different competitions, because of Mike Ashley's involvement in the running of both clubs.'

When contacted by the Club today, UEFA confirmed in writing as follows:

"UEFA has not made any statement on specific clubs.

"With regard to your query, we kindly refer you to Article 3 of our competition regulations (Integrity of the competition) related among other to multi-ownership.

"We do not have any further comment to make on this."

The Club issued a statement on 12th September, 2014, confirming it had banned Luke Edwards and all reporters working for, or on behalf of, the Daily Telegraph with immediate effect following reports published in its paper which were wholly inaccurate and written with the intention of unsettling the Club, players and its supporters.

Yesterday's article is another example of the same journalist and title printing factually inaccurate reports that are potentially disruptive and are damaging to the Club.

The Club will make no further comment on this issue.