Newcastle MP celebrates ‘longed for’ moment Sports Direct signs removed from St. James’ Park

The Sports Direct signs started to be removed from St. James’ Park on Monday.
The Sports Direct signs are coming down. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)The Sports Direct signs are coming down. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
The Sports Direct signs are coming down. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

A Newcastle MP has joined in with the Newcastle United fan jubilation by praising the removal of the Sports Direct signs from St. James' Park.

Chi Onwurah, Member of Parliament for Newcastle upon Tyne Central, took to social media as images of the signs' removal began to circle on the internet.

The MP wrote: "A long-longed for moment!"

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Pictures of the signs coming down were shared by the Wor Flags account on social media with those above the Leazes End going first.

The Sports Direct signs were one of the last remnants from Mike Ashley's 14-year reign at St. James' Park.

The businessman's turbulent period as owner came to an end in October this year when The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, Reuben Brothers and PCP Capital Partners bought the club in a £300 deal.

It began a new era for Newcastle United, which was boosted last weekend with the team's first Premier League win of the season against Burnley.

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Amanda Staveley had previously said: " "The Sports Direct signs I'm looking forward to coming down.

"It's a slight frustration when I go into the stadium and I try and take a picture which doesn't have Sports Direct in it."

Newcastle United part-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)Newcastle United part-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United part-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi. (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)

Newcastle United Supporters' Trust board member Alex Hurst said on Twitter today: "Advertising signage is coming down at a football stadium and there's collective outpouring of relief and joy

"Might not make sense to others but you need to have lived the 14 years of what the signage symbolised and what that did to #nufc and the city.

"It's a good day."