Newcastle United fan charged for graffiti attack A man has been charged after graffiti was daubed at Newcastle United's ground hours after the St James' Park signs were removed. The letters were removed on Thursday after November's announcement of the name change to the Sports Direct Arena. The words "St James" were written in white paint at the ground before being removed yesterday. Michael Atkinson, 29, of Hareydene, Newbiggin Hall, Newcastle, was charged with criminal damage. He is due to appear before Newcastle magistrates' court on 7 March.