Moat, an executive box holder at St James' Park, has previously invested in the club's academy and also helped to organise former striker and manager Alan Shearer's testimonial.

BBC: Ashley lines up O'Leary as boss

Supporters gathered at St James' Park and made their opposition towards Ashley and the club's hierarchy clear ahead of the evening kick-off.

BBC: Newcastle boss Alan Pardew accepts fans' ambivalence

Financial reasons are being cited for reduced player investment at St James' Park this season, with owner Mike Ashley keen to bring down the club's reliance on overdrafts in the coming years.

BBC: Newcastle United reveal tightened transfer budgets