Newcastle plans to charge media for access

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley (left) has a fractious relationship with the media and the club's fans. (Scott Heppell/AP)

Newcastle United has revealed plans to become the first English Premier League club to charge media outlets for access to players.

Under the plan, beginning next season, the club will offer bronze, silver and gold packages that will determine news outlets’ level of access.

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If a media outlet refuses to pay, they will only have access to players on match days. The Premier League mandates that players speak to journalists after each match.

The announcement is the latest addition to a long line of conflict between controversial Newcastle owner Mike Ashley and the media. Earlier this season three newspapers that covered a fan protest were subsequently banned from covering the team.

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