8:05AM, Wed May 2, 2012

St James' Park Graffiti Returns In Protest At Stadium Name Change

By Daniel Salisbury-Jones Location: Newcastle

Third and biggest graffiti attack on Newcastle United's stadium.

Graffiti has appeared at the entrance to the Newcastle United ground for a third time, with large black lettering spelling out the words "St James' Park."

Police received a report of criminal damage at Newcastle's football ground at 2:50am on Friday morning after a person had vandalised walls of the stadium.

The words "St James' Park" were painted at the main entrance to the Milburn Stand and on the wall of the East Stand, while "SJP" was scrawled near the club shop at the Gallowgate end.

Similar graffiti was daubed on the wall outside the stadium on February 16 and 20, 2012.

29-year-old Michael Atkinson from Newbiggin Hall later admitted charged with criminal damage in connection with the February 16 incident.

The club has not released any official comment on the graffiti attacks.

It follows the rebranding of St James' Park as the Sports Direct Arena in November as an interim measure while the club seeks a sponsor for the stadium.

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

Signwriters began work in the first week of February 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.

Northumbria Police request anyone with information on the incident to call 101.