7:24AM, Thu Feb 23, 2012

MPs Say Newcastle Decision To Remove St James' Park Signs Is Corporate Vandalism

By James Marley Location: Newcastle

A dozen MPs have signed an House Of Commons motion calling Newcastle's decision to pull down the famous St James' Park signs corporate vandalism.

Gateshead MP Ian Mearns tabled the Early Day Motion which has been supported by parliamentary colleagues from across Tyneside and the North East.

He told Sky Tyne and Wear: "It will always be St James' Park to the fans and we just hope that Mike Ashley will listen to this and restore our great name to the ground."

The motion reads "This House deeply regrets the decision to rebrand the historic home of Newcastle United Football Club, St James' Park and condemns the corporate vandalism perpetrated by the club's owners in removing the name St James' Park from the stadium."

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Friday night: Security patrols spotted near the wall which had graffiti on

The motion goes on to call on Newcastle owner Mike Ashley to reconsider the decision to change the name of the ground to the Sports Direct Arena.

Signwriters began work last week painting over references to St James' Park on external signage and the St James' Park lettering was ripped from the entrance to the ground by workmen.

NUFC Managing Director Derek Llambias has said he hopes the move could bring in up to £10m a year in revenue.

The words "St James'" were daubed on the wall in graffiti just hours after the lettering was removed. The same thing happened again the following night.