Sky strike! Newcastle players refuse to perform for their 'walk-on' graphics

The crisis at Newcastle United today deepened as players shunned non-negotiable media commitments days before the start of the new Premier League season.

Many of the Toon squad are angry that a row with the club over reportedly owed bonus payments still has not been settled.

The players say they are due money from owner Mike Ashley – and they seem to be taking it out on anyone they can.

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The team are said to have agreed with officials to share £4m if the club stayed in the Premier League.

Sky Sports were unable to complete their ‘walk-on’ graphics after the team refused to play ball because the bonus pot had not been dished out.

They told producers that they wouldn’t be appearing despite the broadcasters’ pleas as they made the decision to down tools after training.

In pre-season, players took an odd vow of silence and would not speak to the press after games with Braga and Augsburg.

Sky badly need the issue to be resolved or face a dilemma this weekend.

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Their opener at home to Tottenham is being televised live and the players’ assistance is required for their pre-match build-up.

Sky’s Keith Downey tweeted: “Newcastle United’s players have withdrawn cooperation with the media as part of a dispute with the club over bonuses for the upcoming season.

“The players refused to give their time for “walk up” shots for TV companies at the training ground today.

“Worth highlighting this is a dispute between club and players, nothing to do with Sky, BT or any other media outlet.”

It’s yet more bad publicity for embattled owner Ashley, who has been trying to sell the club for over a year.

Last Thursday manager Rafa Benitez claimed “everything” was wrong behind the scenes at St James Park when quizzed on where the main problem lies.

He said: “When things are not going well off the pitch you can see a reflection on the pitch. I’m really worried.”