Newcastle United drop Eric Bristow from event after controversial tweets about sex abuse scandal

Five-time world champion Bristow was dropped from Sky Sports' darts coverage following tweets sent last night.

In them, he suggested the footballer victims of sex abuse were not "real men", and asked why they did not "sort out" their abusers "when they got older and fitter".

Bristow had been due to appear at St James's Park in an event on December 6, but has now been replaced by current darts star Kevin Painter.

A Newcastle United statement 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's Park on 6th December.

"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."