‘NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing’ is organizing a demonstration against Newcastle’s Saudi-backed owners before Friday’s friendly between Saudi Arabia and England at St. James’ Park, according to the i daily.
Over the summer, it was revealed that the stadium would host two matches, with KSA playing Costa Rica on Friday and South Korea on Tuesday.
Many fans were upset by the decision and felt that it exposed the team and its supporters to unwarranted and unnecessary criticism.
A protest organized by NUFC Fans Against Sportswashing is scheduled to take place adjacent to the Alan Shearer statue 45 minutes prior to Friday’s game, which will begin at 7.15 p.m. The group requested that both games be postponed, but the FA and council denied their pleas.
This is “the final nail in the coffin in the idea that PIF’s ownership of Newcastle United isn’t about promoting Saudi Arabia to the world,” according to a group representative.
It’s not a good look for the club and will spark a lot of discussion if any fans show up wearing their Newcastle shirts or even go so far as to purchase Saudi Arabian shirts or flags.
