Report: Mike Ashley to miss Newcastle United relegation decider

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley will reportedly miss this weekend's crucial Premier League clash against West Ham United in an attempt to avoid angry supporters.

Toon fans are planning another protest at St James' Park for their final fixture of the season, as fury towards the 50-year-old continues to build.

Ashley has not attended a game for more than a month, with supporters angry at the lack of ambition being shown by the club year after year, which has culminated in another relegation battle that will go right down to the wire.

Manager John Carver revealed earlier this week that he is unsure whether Ashley will be in attendance for the crunch match, but The Telegraph claims that he will indeed stay away from the ground.

The Magpies are battling it out with Hull City to avoid the one remaining spot in the bottom three, knowing that a win at home to West Ham will be enough to secure their top-flight status.