Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has upset the Toon Army by reviving plans to sell off the naming rights of St James' Park. Part of the scheme involves erecting giant advertising hoardings which would dominate the skyline at the stadium and this step requires planning permission from Newcastle Council. This has enabled the Football Supporters' Federation to mobilise opposition to the plan.
Some sales of naming rights have been relatively uncontentious, for example the Emirates but that involved a move of ground.
