Ashley launches legal action against Newcastle chief Staveley | OneFootball

Mike Ashley is taking legal action against the new owners of Newcastle United.

The Sun says he is suing Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley for violating the terms of a £10million loan - by publicly slating the former Toon chief.

Ashley sold the Magpies last October for £300million with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund owning 80 per cent while Staveley and the Reuben brothers have ten apiece.

The Sports Direct tycoon lent the businesswoman £10m to cover 'advisory, legal and other costs and commissions'.

In return Ashley demanded she did not criticise his 14-year tenure, with his legal team claiming those conditions have been violated.

Ashley's lawyers also argue that Sports Direct has suffered a 'marketing loss' after signage was removed from St James' Park.

They want the £10m plus interest returned immediately and are also suing Staveley's husband, Mehrdad Ghodoussi, in his role as guarantor that she would pay the money back.

The documents state: “Mr Ashley wanted protection from public criticisms of his tenure as ultimate beneficial owner of NUFCL (Newcastle United Football Club Limited) by new owners and/or managers of NUFCL because such criticisms carry particular weight."

They go on to say that Staveley publicly made 'derogatory' comments in interviews which portrayed Ashley's running of the Magpies in a 'negative light.'