By Nick Raynor
March 1 2007

Newcastle United have released an official statement in regard to trial by media in the claims of racism by Emre.

The midfielder has been accused by Al Bangura, who plays for Watford, of being racist, in a statement released by the player.

The FA are now investigating but Newcastle have released a statement on the official website showing the clubs anti-racism stane, and attacking the press for giving Emre a 'trial through media'.

The statement says:

In recent weeks Newcastle United has become increasingly concerned about articles appearing in various national newspapers concerning Emre. 

Those articles have made various inaccurate and unfair comments on the case, and have ignored the basic principle that any person is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

The conduct of certain sections of the press in ignoring that basic principle of fairness is deeply regrettable.

It is the club's opinion that the content in these articles is highly prejudicial and seriously reduces the chances of the player receiving a fair hearing when he finally makes a personal response to the charge brought against him by the Football Association.

Both the club and player have genuine worries that a trial through the media is effectively being conducted long before the actual hearing will take place.

We are making stringent inquiries into how such stories have come to appear in print and the club would be highly concerned if information is being leaked by any individual or association involved with this ongoing matter.

The club also wishes to reiterate that it has not been made aware of any further charges being brought or about to be brought against Emre by the Football Association.

Newcastle United is proud to be a club with a long-standing tradition of working closely with anti-racism organisations on both a local and national basis and will continue to be a strong champion of such an important cause.