Newcastle City Council have voiced their opposition to Mike Ashley's plans to change the name of St James's Park to the Sports Direct Arena.

Newcastle owner Ashley has attracted anger from fans and former players over his decision, which is believed to be a move to attract new investors to the club.

The Labour-led council have announced that street signs giving directions to the stadium will not be changed if and when the stadium is renamed.

"The football club is part of the beating heart of the city, and while the council values its relationship with the club, it has no plans to change any existing wayfinding signs which bear the name St James's Park," Labour councillor Henri Murison said

"As far as the fans and Newcastle City Council are concerned, the home of Newcastle United will always be known as St James's Park.

"It's recognised around the world and the decision to change it, without consultation, will upset the overwhelming majority of fans who loyally support the team week in and week out.

"While I understand the commercial reasons for renaming sport venues when they relocate, this is not the case in this instance. Some things are beyond profit when they mean so much to people."

Nexus, who run the city's Metro system, also said that they do not support the change, commenting: "We are not renaming St James's Metro station."

Newcastle United's ground has been known as St James's Park for 119 years.