In a statement released through his solicitors, he said: “I am extremely disappointed that Newcastle United Football Club has chosen to terminate my contract without carrying out any proper investigation into the allegations made against me in the Panorama programme.

“My lawyers will shortly be going to court to compel the BBC to release full transcripts of the recordings.

“Rather than waiting for this and the outcome of any FA investigation, NUFC have made their decision solely on the basis of a few sentences carefully selected and edited by Panorama.

“I intend to pursue all legal avenues to vindicate my reputation and restore my career and livelihood.”