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Newcastle FC fans bridle at stadium naming rights deal

English league football club Newcastle United has agreed a stadium naming rights deal which has prompted an angry response from fans.

Newcastle plan to rename their home stadium sportsdirect.com@St James' Park Stadium under a deal lasting until the end of the season.

The sponsor is sportswear retailer Sports Direct, owned by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley.

“We will showcase Sports Direct until the end of the season," said Sports Direct managing director Derek Llambias. "I'm sure we're going to get a sponsor in for next season."

Llambias said the existing St James' Park name would remain as part of any future renaming.