Newcastle players in media dispute with club over bonuses

Newcastle United players have reportedly withdrawn from cooperation with the media because of a dispute with the club regarding bonuses.

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has claimed that the players were due to film ‘walk up’ shots at the training ground ahead of the new season, something that the players have now refused to do.

Walk up shots are one of the more well-known pre-season routines as television companies such as Sky and BT prepare their graphical material for the new campaign.

Content is usually filmed throughout a day at the training ground so it can be used for promotional material during the season.

Downie adds that the dispute is not related to any specific broadcaster and is a problem directly involving the club.

These developments come as another blow to Newcastle who have seen financial worries surround their summer, with Rafa Benitez known to be working on a small transfer budget.