Newcastle has urged its fans to stop wearing the “traditional Arabic clothing” as it’s a misguided gesture of their new Saudi-led ownership.
Newcastle 3-2 defeat by Spurs at St James’ Park on Sunday was donned by dozens of supporters dressed in homemade headdresses creating a spectacle that dismayed anti-racism group Kicks It Our and Influential FA figures.
And now, the Tyneside club has urged fans to not don the homemade keffiyehs for future games.
The statement 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 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 was culturally inappropriate and causing risks 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”.