Newcastle kit deal bad for fans, says Sports Direct

Newcastle United’s exclusive kit deal with JD Sports is “anti-competitive” and will mean higher prices for football fans, rival retailer Sports Direct has argued at the Court of Appeal.

Sports Direct, run by former Newcastle owner Mike Ashley’s Frasers Group, is seeking a temporary court order forcing the club to supply it with replica kit next season.

Last month, the Competition Appeal Tribunal rejected the company’s request, concluding it had “no reasonable or legitimate expectation” of continued supply from manufacturer Castore.

Sports Direct has sought an interim injunction at the Court of Appeal ahead of a full trial.

The retailer’s lawyers argued the club’s arrangement with JD Sports is unlawful and “anti-competitive”.

Newcastle’s refusal to provide Sports Direct with kit will “distort competition… and ultimately lead to consumers paying high prices”, judges heard.

Newcastle’s approach was “an abuse” of the club’s “dominant position” in the market, said the retailer.

Thomas de la Mare KC, for Newcastle United, said in written arguments the tribunal conclusion was “fully justified” .

Sports Direct had in recent years “enjoyed exclusive retailing rights” alongside Castore over the club’s kit.

“Sports Direct in effect seeks an injunction to preserve the preferential arrangements put in place for it during the period when Mr Ashley owned both it and the club,” he said.