Newcastle United Takeover Legal Battle: Insider Responds to ‘Mischievous’ Leak from Amanda Staveley
In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding the legal challenges faced by Newcastle United following its contentious takeover in 2021, key figures Liam Kennedy, editor of the Shields Gazette, and Keith Patterson, director of the Newcastle Consortium Supporters Limited (NCSL), have stepped into the fray to address recent revelations that have reignited scrutiny over the club’s ownership.
The backdrop to this legal saga involves NCSL’s assertion that the Premier League’s decision to block the Saudi-led takeover violated UK anti-competition laws. This claim has culminated in NCSL sending a ‘letter before action’ to the Premier League, asserting that their actions were unjust and should be legally challenged.
Recent developments have put the spotlight back on the takeover process. A report from The Telegraph unveiled leaked messages exchanged between Amanda Staveley, a key figure in the consortium that orchestrated the takeover, and a representative of former club owner Mike Ashley. These messages reportedly contained requests for promoting specific articles from the Shields Gazette, particularly those penned by Kennedy about the legal intricacies surrounding NCSL’s letter and the broader implications for the club’s ownership status.
In light of these revelations, Patterson provided a pointed response to the media, suggesting that the leaks and subsequent criticism aimed at Newcastle’s ownership are nothing more than a tactical diversion. He remarked, “I think it is a deflection of the legal mess they find themselves in. It’s no coincidence that today we’ve seen three separate articles criticizing our Saudi owners.”
Patterson’s assertions imply a coordinated effort to undermine Newcastle’s position and distract from the unfolding legal issues. He continued, “This doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a deliberate strategy to shift the spotlight away from the damaging revelations regarding unlawful ‘rules’ that have been exploited to maintain dominance in the league.”
He expressed his belief that the media’s engagement in this discourse is part of a larger campaign to discredit clubs like Newcastle and Manchester City, who have faced similar scrutiny. “People are making mischief with the WhatsApp messages from our takeover process. Meanwhile, I was denied access to WhatsApp communications from the opposing side. I remain convinced that I could demonstrate an unlawful process that was aimed at unjustly preventing our takeover,” Patterson asserted.
The dialogue surrounding the legal battle is further explored in a comprehensive discussion led by Kennedy and Patterson, available via their Geordie Journos platform on YouTube. This platform provides an in-depth look into the complexities of the takeover saga, reflecting on its implications for Newcastle United and the Premier League at large.
As the narrative unfolds, it remains clear that the fallout from the takeover and the ongoing legal disputes will continue to be a focal point for both fans and commentators alike, as they seek to unravel the intricate web of interests, rivalries, and legal challenges that characterize this high-stakes situation in English football.