They weren't at Stoke.
That wasn't at St James' Park though.
We have some special rules against banners? Unless it's a political message it can't be confiscated, surely?
I don't have any sources or anything but I'm sure that back when the protest against Ashley was at it's peak, people were getting banners and stuff confiscated at the turnstiles or by stewards. I wouldn't be surprised if that still happens.