The Oxford Mail is fighting to reverse a decision by Oxford United FC to ban its chief football writer from the ground.

The ban on Jon Murray came from chairman Firoz Kassam and follows recent articles criticising Kassam for his failure to invest money from successful cup runs back into the club.

The Mail has also carried reports of discontent behind the scenes and interviews with players who were critical of the chairman's actions. Sportsmail revealed that United's players faced heavy penalties if they talked to the press. Towards the end of last season, unhappy United players spoke to Murray of their concern over a lack of progress on new contracts.

Jon, who has covered United for the past 16 years, received a letter from Kassam this week, informing him of the decision.

But Oxford Mail deputy editor Andy Chatfield has dismissed the ban as nonsense and vowed to ensure the decision is reversed.

The paper is sponsoring the East Stand at the Kassam Stadium for a six-figure sum over five years.

Andy said: "We are one of the club's major sponsors and yet no-one there has had the courtesy to contact me or any of my senior colleagues to explain what is going on.

"There appears to be no justification whatsoever for this ban. This is simply nonsense. Jon Murray is a fine and very experienced reporter.

"No-one can dictate to this newspaper who covers what. That is our decision. We will insist that Jon is allowed to work as before.

"In the meantime we will do our best to bring United news to our readers, even if it is with one hand tied behind our backs."

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