The media have picked up on it, and 'bad man' Ashley will suffer because of his "cash for questions" fiasco on Sunday when Pardew refused to talk to the reporters ... unless they coughed up cash!
There is no doubt about it ... Ashley and Pardew are in for a tough campaign because the media have a lot more power than the pair can ever imagine.
As for the free tickets ... Sir John Hall did the same back in the mid 1990s, saying: "The fans have to pay for tickets - so the hangers-on can pay too!"
Mike Ashley has hit Alan Pardew's senior coaching team and extended support staff after withdrawing the "privilege" of bringing guests to St James' Park.
Pardew's No2 John Carver and coach Steve Stone are among the highest ranking staff who cannot bring guests.
Senior coaches were allowed to bring up to four guests, including family members or football contacts, to home games in an executive box.
Other staff like the kitmen and fitness coaches were given seats in the ground. The practice is common-place at all football clubs.
Chief executive Lee Charnley told the staff on Monday.