NEWCASTLE fans are already petitioning against a “scandalous” new stadium – despite the club not yet revealing any plans.
A 28,000-strong petition was presented to councillors in Newcastle earlier this week.
The Toon are reportedly looking to move away from St James Park – their home since 1892.
Club executives are proposing a capacity of around 65,000 for the new “super stadium”, according to The Mail.
The rumoured ground would reportedly see the club build on Leazes Park, next to St James’.
But some locals have reacted with fury at any suggestion of building in the city’s oldest public park.
Newcastle’s Labour-led authority refused to agree to the petition request as plans had not yet been submitted to them by the club.
Labour councillor Dan Greenhough told the BBC: “The speculation around Leazes Park is exactly that – speculation.
“The coverage on the subject in the international media and wherever else is beyond our control.”
The “once in a generation” stadium could cost Newcastle’s Saudi owners anywhere between £2billion and £3billion.
But building on Leazes Park -which is Grade II listed and was opened in 1873 – would be a “scandal”, according to local activists.
Newcastle declined to comment when approached by the BBC.
Toon bosses are keen to capitalise on the feel-good factor around the club after ending a 70-year trophy drought.
Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the Carabao Cup final to end more than half a century of heartache.
The proposed plans would see Newcastle have the third biggest football stadium in England behind Old Trafford and Wembley.
At 65,000, the ground would be bigger than the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the London Stadium, Anfield and the Emirates.
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