Adidas have ruled out bidding for the naming rights of Newcastle United's St James' Park.

Magpies owner Mike Ashley announced controversial plans to rename the ground when he decided he no longer wanted to sell the Coca-Cola Championship club and took it off the market last week.

There has been an outcry among Newcastle fans at Ashley's proposal and yesterday adidas issued a strongly worded denial of any interest.

The statement said: "Following media speculation . . . adidas can confirm that it has not been offered the naming rights to the stadium and would not wish to take the rights if they were offered.

"Adidas remains committed to our on-pitch partnership with the club."