Newcastle ban journalist over team split claims

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Newcastle United have banned journalists from The Telegraph after the publication reported a story of unrest at the club.

 

Their north-east correspondent Luke Edwards reported tensions between the French set of players and the rest of the squad, and Newcastle have been left angered by the story.

 

In light of the ban, editor of The Telegraph Tony Gallagher said on Twitter: "Things at Newcastle must be worse than we thought: they have banned our reporter Luke Edwards for revealing the dressing room is split.

 

"Worse, they have engaged lawyers to demand a public apology 'forthwith' and withdrawal of Luke's article. I can help them here: no."

 

Newcastle sent a solicitor's letter to The Telegraph, which read as: "Having carefully considered the content of the article Newcastle United have asked for it to be made clear that unless a full apology is received from the Daily Telegraph and the article is immediately withdrawn from the Telegraph online edition, then both Luke Edwards and any representative of the Daily Telegraph/Sunday Telegraph will be banned from attending St James' Park and from attending any Newcastle United pre-match press conferences and all Newcastle United player interviews at the training facilities with immediate effect."

 

Newcastle slumped to a 6-0 defeat at home to Liverpool on Saturday, with many fans questioning whether manager Alan Pardew is the right man to steer the Magpies from relegation. Newcastle are currently five points clear of the drop zone in 17th spot, but Wigan a place below them have a game in hand.