Euro 2008 soccer: Magpies snub for bid
Scotland and Ireland’s hopes of using St James’ Park to boost their Euro 2008 bid have been rejected by Newcastle United.
The Football Association’s Scottish-born chief executive Adam Crozier made the gesture to SFA counterpart David Taylor after they joined forces with the FAI to stage the world’s third biggest sporting event.
The Premiership club, however, have told Hampden Park chiefs that the notion was a non-starter.
United chief operating officer Russell Cushing said: ‘‘I have spoken with the Scottish Football Association and I can categorically state that the SFA say St James’ Park will not play a part in any Euro 2008 tournament bid.
‘‘The rumour has become so real that even Adam Crozier, chief executive of the English FA has hinted it.
‘‘I know the Scots stick together, but you have got to draw the line somewhere. This puts the matter to rest for once and for all.’’
Scotland already have four top stadia in Hampden Park, Murrayfield, Parkhead and Ibrox, but need another two to go with two proposed stadia from Ireland - which will include a refurbished Lansdowne Road.
A newly-built arena in Dundee, Aberdeen’s Pittodrie ground and Hibernian’s Easter Road are all in the running to host Euro 2008 matches and the use of St James’ Park would have needed clearance from UEFA.
Crozier said on Friday: ‘‘I don’t think we would have any problem, but the decision would have to be one with UEFA’s agreement.’’
Those proposals, however, now look dead and buried with Cushing’s less-than-welcome words.
