Joey Barton blasts Mike Ashley over stadium

Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton has slammed Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley over the decision to rename St James's Park as the Sports Direct Arena.

The North East ground has been known as St James's Park for 119 years, and the new name is reportedly an attempt by Ashley to attract new investors.

"It will always be St James's Park to me," the QPR skipper tweeted.

"Ashley and his subordinates know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.

"Why change the name other than to upset the natives. Sports Direct Arena big no no."

Barton previously attacked the Newcastle board on Twitter while he was still playing for the club, leading to his eventual move to QPR.