Ash is in legal war

MIKE ASHLEY is fighting for the right to sell Newcastle United to the Saudis.

He wants his £300million and to be rid of a club that has earned him a whole load of grief and scrutiny.

So far, Ashley (above) has played a blinder.

Taking legal action against the Premier League was a popular man-ofthe-people move that aligned him with many fans who were disgruntled when the six-month-long public saga stalled.

Releasing a statement last week, confirming he had launched “arbitration proceedings” against the league, stirred the hopes of many who are willing to put aside Saudi piracy and human rights abuses in exchange for a better centre-forward.

But before Toon fans start to wonder whether it could be all back on – and start to dream of the promised £250m on-field investment over five years – you soon realise the same old problems exist.

The first hurdle is that the Public Investment Fund withdrew their bid.

They refused to provide info to the Premier League or admit they are actually an arm of the Saudi state.

So the Premier League never actually rejected the bid and can’t be sued for doing so.

It didn’t get as far as their test.

And the buyers declined to go to arbitration when it was offered, on the points being argued over, last summer.

Had they done so, the issue of piracy of Premier League TV rights would have been on the table, and that opens up a new legal can of worms.

It is suggested there is Government pressure for a deal to be smoothed over. Are strings being pulled by Tory party donors?

Whatever the truth, Ashley has parked his legal tanks.

But it is still far from certain how such a controversial takeover, with multiple snags, can be passed, with the belligerent Saudis giving no ground and staying silent.

Toon fans shouldn’t hold their breath for a conclusion any time soon.