Newcastle United Urges Fans To Stop Wearing 'Culturally Inappropriate' Arabic Clothing

Newcastle United have released a statement asking for supporters to top wearing Arab-style outfits following the club's recent Saudi-backed takeover.

Ever since the multi-billion-dollar three-party consortium purchased the struggling Premier League outfit from Mike Ashley, it seems Magpies fans haven't stopped celebrating.

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But a small portion of supporters have picked up some unwanted attention after they were seen wearing traditional Arab robes and headdresses when the takeover announcement was made as well as at Newcastle's recent game against Tottenham.

Now the club has urged Geordie supporters to stop doing so over fears it could be "culturally inappropriate".

"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," Newcastle said in a statement.

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"A number of supporters have recently attended St. James' Park wearing associated head coverings and robes.

"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."

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Following news of the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund's (PIF) takeover, spirits have been high on Tyneside.

But the celebrations were cut short (well, at least for 90 minutes) when Newcastle slumped back into their old ways on the pitch in Steve Bruce's 1000th game as a manager.

Despite finding the back of the net after just two minutes, the 10-man Magpies ended up losing 3-2 to Tottenham at the weekend - some of the defending not boding well for their current relegation battle.

With the team now second from bottom and still winless in the Premier League, the new owners wasted no time in parting ways with Bruce.

While his replacement is still yet to be found, caretaker boss Graeme Jones has taken the reins for the time being.

Topics: Football News, Football, Premier League, Australia, Newcastle United, Takeover

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry