A 29-year-old man has been charged with criminal damage at Newcastle United’s stadium after its old name was painted on a wall.

There was outrage on Thursday when workmen were filmed removing the St James’ Park lettering from the famous ground, which has been renamed the Sports Direct Arena.

Overnight the old name was daubed in white paint close to where the lettering had been removed.

More workmen were seen removing the paint yesterday morning.

Newcastle United FC an-nounced the name change in November, ending almost 120 years of history.

However, the city council has said it will continue to use the St James’ Park name, as will large sections of the Newcastle fanbase.

The football club declined to comment on the incident yesterday.

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