Newcastle United have hit back at Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn after he aimed thinly veiled criticism at Mike Ashley.
In an explosive and unprecedented statement, club bosses have slammed the MP, saying the owner 'has not taken a penny out of Newcastle United'.
Speaking on a visit to the city on Saturday, Mr Corbyn took aim at 'billionaire owners' for ruining football.
The response, which argues Newcastle is a 'well-run, responsible club', sets out a defiant defence of the current administration.
Read the club's statement in full below:
"We are disappointed by comments made by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn at the weekend regarding football governance and club ownership, in which he specifically attacked Newcastle United.
"Amongst his comments, Mr Corbyn accused ‘billionaire owners like Mike Ashley’ of ‘ruining our national game’, claiming these ‘bad owners’ put their ‘business interests above everything else’ and risk their clubs’ financial security.
"In overlooking existing governance and regulation, as well as the hugely positive impact Newcastle United and other professional clubs have in their communities, Mr Corbyn has demonstrated a surprising lack of knowledge about our national game.
"We feel, therefore, it is important to address his damaging and misinformed opinions in the interests of the club and its supporters.
"Financially, other than sums provided to the club on a short-term, interest-free basis and repaid to him as intended, we would like to make it clear that Mike Ashley has not taken a penny out of Newcastle United in interest, salary or dividend, as is customary at many clubs.
"As stated on numerous occasions before, every penny Newcastle United has will continue to be available to it. In this financial year, the club will use an overdraft facility to manage its cashflow following a significant spend on talent in the summer.
"As a well-run, responsible club, that amount will be repaid in full and on time and our other regulatory obligations will be met.
"We will not apologise for being financially sustainable, but we will push the boundaries of our budgets as far as possible to maximise the impact on the team. We agree with Mr Corbyn that ‘a football club is more than just a club; it is an institution atthe heart of our communities’.
"That is why our vast work across the local community will continue, with Newcastle United Foundation providing services and support to tens of thousands of people in our region each year who truly need them.
"Often, Newcastle United Foundation’s projects fill in significant gaps that the public sector sadly cannot stretch to, particularly at a time when government cuts are so prevalent.
"We would like to invite Mr Corbyn to visit one of these initiatives to experience at first hand the incredible work that is being undertaken by the Foundation in our local community every day."
