Newcastle owner Mike Ashley criticises government committee

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has accused a government committee of attempting to "create a media circus" over pay and working conditions at his Sports Direct headquarters in Shirebrook in Derbyshire.

The committee wants to question Ashley about working practices at his warehouse north of Mansfield, amid reports of poor conditions and the use of controversial zero-hours contracts.

Ashley has written to the directors of employment agencies Transline Group and the Best Connection, to urge them to be "open and honest" with the 'Business, Innovation and Skills parliamentary committee'.

In a letter seen by Sky Sports News HQ, Ashley writes: "I encourage you to attend and be open and honest. Sports Direct has nothing to hide, which is why I am bitterly disappointed that the committee has declined my invitation to attend Shirebrook to see things with their own eyes.

"This leads me to conclude that the committee is only interested in creating a media circus and for this reason I am seeking legal advice about my own position in relation to the meeting on June 7."

Iain Wright, chairman of the Commons Business, Skills and Innovation Committee, had warned Ashley he would be in contempt of Parliament if he did not agree a date to appear before them.