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A Newcastle fan in disguise
Photo: PAUL ELLIS / AFP
The management of the traditional English football club Newcastle United has withdrawn the request to its fans to refrain from wearing Arab clothing.
Most recently, numerous supporters appeared in costumes for the home game against Tottenham to celebrate the takeover of the club by a consortium led by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) from Saudi Arabia.
"The new owners are overwhelmed by the reception," announced the Magpies now.
“Those who wish to support the association by wearing appropriate, culturally inspired clothing should feel free to do so as they see fit.
We are open to everyone. "
On Wednesday, Newcastle had asked its supporters to "refrain from wearing Arab clothing or headgear customary in the Middle East if they normally would not wear these clothes" when visiting stadiums.
Also on Saturday in the Premier League game at Crystal Palace (1: 1), supporters in such clothing could be seen in the stadium.
While many Newcastle fans welcomed the new owners euphorically after years of sporting decline, the handover is viewed critically by the public.
The consortium assured the Premier League that it was not under state control, but the majority should belong to the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Bin Salman and the Saudi state are accused of serious human rights violations, while Amnesty International described the deal with Newcastle United as an attempt at "sportswashing".
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