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Newcastle United owners change stance on traditional Arabic clothing at games
Newcastle United have reversed their guidance on fans wearing “traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings” at matches, now saying they can wear it if they want.
Some Magpies supporters wore the clothing when celebrating the recent Saudi Arabian-led takeover of the club.
On Wednesday, the club asked fans to “refrain” from dressing in this way if they didn’t “ordinarily do so”.
But they have now “clarified” matters, saying fans should “feel free”.
Similar attire was also seen in the club’s first home game under the new owners, against Tottenham.
Earlier this week, Newcastle stated that the ownership was not offended and “acknowledged” the gesture “as positive and welcoming in its intent”.
However, the club added that “there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others”.
Three days later, the club have issued a new statement, saying the owners have been “overwhelmed by the welcome of the local community”, and that fans who have celebrated by wearing “culturally traditional clothing, including head coverings, have been part of that welcome”.
"Those who wish to support the club by wearing appropriate culturally-inspired clothing should feel free to do so as they see fit. We are inclusive to all. "Newcastle United FC and its new owners continue to support the Premier League's initiatives on diversity and inclusion, including No Room for Racism."
Newcastle parted company with manager Steve Bruce by mutual consent on Wednesday.
On Saturday, a group of Crystal Palace fans displayed a graphic banner targeting the Saudi Arabian-led Newcastle takeover and criticising the Premier League, during the clubs’ 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park. Police are investigating.
Original article published 23.10.21 on the BBC Sport website.
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