Newcastle owner promises staff £1m bonus if they beat Arsenal

Toon owner wants club to finish on a high at St James’ Park.

Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will share out a £1m bonus with the club’s non-football staff if the Toon beat Arsenal on Sunday, reports Sky Sports.

Arsene Wenger’s side must beat the Magpies in their final match of the Premier League season to guarantee a top four finish and with it Champions League football next season.

If the Gunners slip-up at St James’ Park and their bitter north London rivals Tottenham beat Sunderland at home, Arsenal will miss out on qualification for UEFA’s premier club competition for the first time in sixteen seasons.

Newcastle currently sit 13th in the table having guaranteed their top-flight status with a 2-1 win at QPR last weekend but Alan Pardew’s side could still finish as high as tenth, prompting Ashley to make the unusual gesture.

Wenger has admitted that qualification for the Champions League could affect the club’s summer transfer business.