Eric Bristow withdrawn from Newcastle United event over football abuse tweets
Newcastle United have said they will never work with darts player Eric Bristow again after he posted inappropriate tweets about the football abuse scandal.
The former darts world champion has been heavily criticised after callingfootballers "wimps" on social media, adding: "Glad I am a dart player propermen."
Newcastle United are one of the clubs involved in investigations after the Guardian newspaper reported that a former player had contacted police to make allegations against George Ormond.
Ormond was a coach in the North East who was jailed for six years in 2002 for carrying out numerous assaults across a 24-year period.
Northumbria Police say enquiries are ongoing.
Bristow was set to make an appearance at St James' Park on December 6 as part of a 'darts legends' night, but has now been 'withdrawn immediately' following his comments.
A Newcastle United spokesman said: "In light of tweets made by the darts player Eric Bristow, Newcastle United has taken the decision today to withdraw him immediately from a scheduled appearance at an event taking place at St. James' Park on December 6.
The club will not work with Eric Bristow in the future. For those who have already bought tickets for the event, current player Kevin Painter has this morning confirmed he will take part."
Bristow has also been dropped as a pundit by Sky Sports following his comments.
So far more than 20 former footballers have come forward alleging they were victims of child abuse as junior players, Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Gordon Taylor has said.
Numerous police forces are also investigating the allegations.
Bristow - awarded an MBE in 1989 - received widespread condemnation for his comments, but continued, adding: "Trouble is nowadays you cant tell the truth.
"Everybody that works on tv is frightened to say the truth because they arefrightened to lose their job. Life shouldnt be like that."
Bristow, 59, has since deleted many of the comments, in which the only hint of an apology came with a message that read: "Sorry meant paedo not poof."