Sports Direct is calling foul on Newcastle United (NUFC). The chain owned by Frasers Group (whose majority shareholder Mike Ashley is the former owner of the English Premiership club) is seeking an injunction against the club in a row over selling replica kits.
 

Ashley claims NUFC is “abusing” its dominant market position by refusing to allow replica shirts to be sold at Sports Direct, a major arm of the Frasers Group portfolio, while granting rival JD Sports exclusive kit rights. 
 
The Competition Appeal Tribunal claim is also asking for damages to be paid.

The claim, submitted by Sportsdirect.com, says the sale of replica kits is important in attracting customers to sports retailers. It says NUFC’s current kit supplier, Castore, consistently supplied Sports Direct with the club’s replica kit, and the company had “every expectation” the supply would continue.
 
However, that kit agreement is ending after this season with Adidas becoming the club’s new official supplier from the 2024/25 season.
 
Under the new arrangements, the claim suggests only Adidas, Newcastle United and JD Sports would be able to sell the kits.
 
Documents submitted ahead of a hearing in April suggest the exclusivity arrangements effectively cut Sports Direct out in favour of its rival and represent a breach of the Competitions Act.
 
Unspecified damages, costs and interest are also being sought. NUFC has until 28 March to respond.