Pub Asks Newcastle United FC Fans to Refrain From Wearing Arab-style Clothing After Saudi Takeover
13:31 GMT 22.10.2021 (Updated: 15:16 GMT 28.05.2023)
© Photo : The Bridge Tavern/twitter
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English Premier League football club Newcastle United was taken over by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium in early October, after a protracted legal tussle over a spate of concerns, including alleged sportswashing.
A pub in Newcastle, the UK, has found itself in the crosshairs after it asked Newcastle United FC fans not to dress in Arab-style clothing to celebrate the club's takeover by a Saudi consortium.
The Bridge Tavern, sitting atop Akenside Hill, via its Instagram page, cautioned against visiting the venue in attire “that might be considered as cultural appropriation” after some fans were spotted wearing traditional robes and headdresses.
The pub added that it welcomed “anyone in our lovely little boozer and would be devastated if anyone felt uncomfortable or disrespected”. The post triggered a wave of support from followers on Instagram.
Newcastle United warns supporters who are celebrating the club's Saudi-backed acquisition not to wear Arab-style attire because it may be seen as "culturally incorrect." pic.twitter.com/bvHOj6eQiQ
— AlphaRadio106.5FM (@alpha1065fm) October 20, 2021
Earlier in the week, Newcastle United issued a message to fans in a similar vein. “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,” said a club spokesman.
On Twitter, fans seemed split on the stance adopted by the pub.
Their feelings might get hurt
— Kerri Eckenrode (@Kaecan) October 22, 2021
We all have to sit and a box and not say anything in case we offend a single person. This is the british way now. The country that gave the world monty python, is now paralysed with fear of offending
— Swingin_Dick (@Lifeson90) October 22, 2021
Wokeness
— Rob (@snowflakefools) October 22, 2021
Absolutely pathetic
Why on earth would a pub do such a thing…it is likely to be the target of an alcohol ban to reflect the Orthodox culture where consuming alcohol is illegal. However, this is the multicultural UK, where alcohol is legally available.
— Daria Morgendorffer (@DariaMorgendor2) October 22, 2021
Why how will they know if they're fans or not
— ᴄᴏʟ (@ColArmy86) October 22, 2021
On 8 October English Premier League football club Newcastle United announced the reportedly 300-million-pound ($409 mln) takeover by a Saudi Arabian-backed consortium - Public Investment Fund (PIF) - in the wake of a drawn-out legal fight involving concerns about alleged improper conduct and sportswashing.
“The Premier League, Newcastle United Football Club and St James Holdings Limited have today settled the dispute over the takeover of the club by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media,” announced the Premier League in a statement.
