Newcastle United takeover legal challenges moves on as Premier League issue NCSL response
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And the Gazette can reveal Newcastle Consortium Supporters Ltd – the group pushing the challenge – have reiterated their pledge to plough on towards court action.
Having requested a further 14 days to reply, the league have now sent legal documents, via solicitors, to NCSL, outlining their position on the group’s Letter Before Action.
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Hide AdNCSL’s Letter Before Action, hand delivered to the Premier League three weeks ago, questioned the body’s conduct in the owners’ and directors’ test, started after PCP Capital Partners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia and Reuben Brothers agreed a fee to buy the club – in the region of £300 million – with owner Mike Ashley.
The original letter highlighted what the group and their legal team believe to be anti-competitive behaviour against Newcastle United in the protracted Premier League tests. It also revealed the group are seeking disclosure of certain documents relating to the Newcastle United takeover, which would shed light on whether any UK anti-competition law breaches have taken place.
Top UK anti-competition QC Robert O’Donoghue is leading up NCSL’s legal team, with the claimants – namely Keith Patterson and Gordon Stein – chasing a Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) hearing.
In a tweet confirming the receipt of the Premier League response, @NCSL1892 said: “We’ve received the EPL’s ‘substantive’ 9-page response. Its now with our competition team led by Robert O’Donoghue, QC. We’ll announce our next move in our determination to progress this matter. Stand together as fans for answers! UNITED we remain.”
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Hide AdA fortnight ago the Premier League requested an extra 14 days to respond to NCSL’s Letter Before Action – a view the group rejected in subsequent correspondence with the league.