text: Thousands of Newcastle United supporters stayed away from Sunday’s home match against Spurs in protest at Mike Ashley’s running of the club. Protest group AshleyOut.com had urged fans to boycott the game and several hundred gathered outside of St James’ Park before kick-off. There they called for billionaire Ashley to quit the club and unfurled a banner, ‘NUFC – Balance Sheet Champions – 2008-2014.' Newcastle United fans boycotting the Tottenham Hotspur match hold a banner criticising owner Mike Ashley . Newcastle United's fans took to the street and refused to enter the stadium in protest of Mike Ashley . Ashleyout.com are behind the protest and produced banners and leaflets around the city . Supporters are upset at what they see as a lack of investment and ambition from the club, who earlier this month returned record profits of £18.7million and revealed they had a further £34m in a bank account. A leaflet from AshleyOut.com read: ‘Time to speak up. An empty St James’ Park is louder than 52, 387 voices. A demonstration of unity and strength to show the world that we want a club to be proud of once again’. Meanwhile, an aeroplane – hired by Sunderland supporters – passed above the stadium during the first half carrying the banner “5 in a row – 5underland”, referencing their fifth successive Tyne-Wear derby victory earlier this month. St. James' Park was a lot quieter than usual but some fans did choose to support their side . One fan covers his face with an 'Ashley Out' protest sign in the stands at St James' Park on Sunday . A van drove round the stadium during the build-up with a billboard attached to the back and side . The protests didn't just happen outside the stadium but some fans who attended brought their own posters . Sunderland fans rented a plane and banner to fly over St. James' Park to boast about their derby wins .
target: Thousands of Newcastle fans chose to boycott the Tottenham game .
  Protests took place outside the stadium with posters and banners .
  The supporters are angry at Mike Ashley's way of running the club .
  Sunderland fans fly a banner to mock Newcastle after the recent derby .
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