Controversial takeover of a club in the Premier League: Newcastle United fans should no longer disguise themselves as sheikhs during games

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Newcastle United fans celebrated the first game after their club was taken over by the Saudi Arabian State Fund

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Owen Humphreys / imago images / PA Images

Premier League club Newcastle United have asked their supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arab attire in the stadium - or what they believe to be.

At least if they otherwise don't either.

We ask fans "to refrain from wearing traditional Arab clothing or headgear inspired by the Middle East at games unless they usually wear them," the club wrote in a statement on Wednesday.

The background to this is the takeover of the club by Saudi owners.

The Premier League announced earlier this month that Newcastle had been sold to a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) from Saudi Arabia.

During and around the first game after the takeover against Tottenham Hotspur, fans could be seen disguising themselves as they think rich Arabs look like - with white robes and tea towels on their heads.

Some spectators had the flag of Saudi Arabia with them.

“Nobody in the new owner group felt offended in any way by the clothes worn by the fans celebrating this way.

It was a gesture that was perceived as positive and welcoming, «announced the association.

Nevertheless, there is a possibility that it is culturally inappropriate and could be perceived as offensive.

All visitors are encouraged to wear what corresponds to the norm of their own culture or religion, it said.

The takeover of the club is highly controversial.

The consortium had assured the league that the club was not under state control of Saudi Arabia.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is accused of serious human rights violations, is said to hold a clear majority in the consortium.

Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International had criticized the deal and expressed concern that Saudi Arabia wanted to polish up its image through "sportswashing".

According to a survey by the Newcastle United Supporters' Trusts fan association, however, 93 percent of supporters are in favor of the takeover.

ngo / AP