BBC Scotland have been left red faced over their attempt to talk up Mike Ashley’s interest in Sevco.
A story in the Telegraph alleging that Ashley was set to sell Newcastle and pile his fortune into the struggling League One champions got the sports department of the state broadcaster excited as they sensed a cash windfall heading Ibrox way.
Rather than approach Newcastle for a comment on the story BBC Radio Scotland invited the journalist behind the story onto the airwaves to provide more detail on the yarn.
Being freed from the commercial constraints that apply to every other media outlet in the country the BBC could have examined the story to see if it had any substance but instead spent time talking up the prospect of the Sports Direct Arena hosting Champions League football.
It seems that no-one at the state broadcaster knew that branded stadiums are banned by UEFA with the Emirates Stadium and Allianz Arena, among others, re-named for European nights.
The thoughts of Ashley remain a closely guarded secret with Newcastle reacting to the story by banning the Telegraph from St James Park.
Announcing the ban on the newspaper Newcastle stated: “It is not acceptable for newspapers to print factually inaccurate reports that are damaging to the Club and to fail to check facts with Newcastle United ahead of publication and then expect to receive access to the Club.
“Newcastle United will not tolerate this and will take such action as it deems appropriate.
“The ban extends to all reporters working for, or freelancing on behalf of, the Daily Telegraph, as well as Luke Edwards in any capacity he may have working for the paper’s sister title or on a freelance basis.”
Confirming his lack of interest in Sevco Ashley declined to buy up his stake in the share issue aimed at meeting the September payroll.
