Articles 
The following is a copy of the letter sent by NUST to Simon Taylor and the Editor of the Guardian :
Dear Mr Taylor
Re: Guardian Newspaper Article 25/5/10 by Chris Arnot “Search for a British Asian football star kicks off”
It was very disappointing in the extreme to read the above article and quotes attributed to you, in your role as head of corporate social responsibility at Chelsea FC that are nothing but an outright slur on the supporters of Newcastle United Football Club and the City of Newcastle upon Tyne.
I believe it is now vital that nothing less than a full and frank apology should be forthcoming from yourself for these comments that discredit you, the position you hold and your employers, Chelsea FC.
For the record and to correct your inaccuracies:
* Andy Cole made his Newcastle United debut away at Swindon in March 1993
* His home debut came the following week against Notts County
* He only scored one goal in that game
* Having spoken to many fans and from personal recollection of that day, there were no protests at St James’ Park when he made his home debut
It is sadly disappointing to see such comments reported as fact and then used to effectively tarnish the name of Newcastle United FC and its fanbase. Whilst it would be wrong to try and rewrite history, as you seem to have attempted to, by denying that the terraces of nearly all clubs in the 1970’s and 1980’s were troubled by racial ignorance and intolerance, we are proud as supporters of Newcastle United to see the work that has been and continues to be done by many agencies and supporter groups alike to make this very much a problem of the past. Indeed your role is one which should be much admired in bringing more diversity into the game and making the game we all love ever more inclusive and one genuinely open to all.
Newcastle United repeatedly wins praise from Show Racism the Red card for their efforts and as supporters we were proud to see manager Chris Hughton presented with an award from Kick it Out in recognition of his achievements this season.
Chris Hughton is NUFC’s second black manager and we have a number of black players, current and former, who are not just popular, we are proud to call them Geordies. Indeed current squad member Shola Ameobi is from the relatively small black community in Newcastle and he and his brothers have all come through our academy system as local boys. The colour of their skin is irrelevant. And returning to Mr Arnot’s article and Asian footballers, it was disappointing that there was no mention of Michael Chopra, of Asian descent, who has only just missed out on promotion with Cardiff City, who is again a local lad and a product of our academy system and a player many would welcome back on Tyneside with open arms. The fact he played for Sunderland would forever be more of an issue than the colour of his skin!
It is the opinion of the Board of Newcastle United Supporters Trust that you owe us, our members, fellow supporters of Newcastle United worldwide and Newcastle united Football Club a full and unreserved apology for your misplaced, ill thought, wholly inaccurate and utterly offensive comments. I await your reply with interest.
Yours in football
Neil Mitchell
On behalf of the Board of Newcastle United Supporters Trust
