Newcastle United has asked its supporters to stop wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches.
Following the Magpies' Saudi-backed takeover, a number of supporters turned up to St James' Park wearing Arabic clothing and Middle East-inspired head coverings as Newcastle lost to Spurs in the first game since the Public Investment Fund took charge of the club. As a result, the club has asked fans to refrain from repeating the action moving forward, unless they ordinarily wear such attire.
While Newcastle stated that no-one among the new ownership group was offended by it, the club is keen for supporters to stop wearing the attire in case it causes offence to people, as there is the possibility that it remains culturally inappropriate. Earlier this week, football equality and inclusion group Kick It Out stated that it was seeking imminent talks with Newcastle to urge the club to ask supporters to refrain from wearing mock headdresses.
Fans of the premier league donned the traditional keffiyeh and Middle Eastern style robes last week as they gathered outside St James’ Park Stadium in a pre-game rally celebrating Newcastle’s buyout by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. In place of the traditional white and red checkered head covering, some improvised wearing tea-towels. The fans could be seen mixing with Saudi nationals and waving the country’s green and white flag while bragging about their long-neglected club's newfound wealth.
“We're Saudis. We can afford anything,” fans chanted as some threw around fake cash. “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,” according to a statement by Newcastle. “It was a gesture that was acknowledged as positive and welcoming in its intent.” The small contingent of Saudi nationals at last week's event was greeted warmly by British fans and received praise for their country’s purchase of the team.
On Wednesday 20 October, the Magpies released a statement on the topic, which read: "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 wore 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."
The statement came on the same day that Steve Bruce was sacked as manager, with his assistant Graeme Jones set to take charge on an interim basis. The search for Newcastle’s next manager is under way. Paulo Fonseca is the early favourite to take charge at St James’ Park, while Eddie Howe and Lucien Favre are the next most likely according to the bookmakers. The Portuguese boss was last in charge at Roma, having been replaced by Jose Mourinho this summer. The 48-year-old also has impressive stints at Braga and Shakhtar Donetsk on his resume.
Newcastle are next in action on Saturday when they travel to Crystal Palace, hoping to secure their first Premier League win of the season.