Newcastle United warn fans of potential ‘culturally inappropriate’ behaviour following Saudi takeover

Newcastle United fans have been asked not to wear Arabic clothing to celebrate the arrival of their new Saudi owners.

St James’ Park was awash with Middle Eastern-inspired head dress and robes on Sunday as the Magpies welcomed the ownership of the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, RB Media & Sports and PCP Capital Partners.

However, the club are asking fans not to continue with such tributes in case it cause offence. They do say, though, that United’s new owners were in no way offended by fan gestures.

Newcastle United statement

Newcastle United is kindly asking supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire.

A number of supporters have recently attended St. James’ Park wearing associated head coverings and robes, marking the takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

No-one among the new ownership group was in any way offended by the attire of the fans who chose to celebrate in this way. It was a gesture that was acknowledged as positive and welcoming in its intent.

However, there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others. All visitors to the club are, as always, encouraged to wear whatever is the norm for their own culture or religion, continuing to reflect the broad and rich multicultural communities and groups from which the club proudly draws its support.

To find out more about Newcastle United’s own dedicated inclusion brand, please visit www.nufc.co.uk/unitedasone.