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Four Premier League Clubs Lobbied To Deny Saudi Takeover Of Newcastle United

Four Premier League Clubs Lobbied To Deny Saudi Takeover Of Newcastle United

Four Premier League clubs lobbied to deny takeover of Newcastle United.

James Hilsum

James Hilsum

The £300 million Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle United may have sparked wild scenes of jubilation on Tyneside, but the new ownership regime at St James' Park has been bitterly opposed by the other 19 clubs, with four even trying to prevent the deal from going ahead.

The Guardian reports that all the remaining 19 clubs are against the takeover and are demanding answers from the Premier League as to why it was given the green light.

They want an emergency meeting next week after only learning about the imminent takeover on Wednesday, before it was confirmed on Thursday morning.

Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, and chairman, Gary Hoffman, received complaints from clubs who had no idea the Newcastle takeover was about to be approved.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham were the most vocal in their opposition to the takeover plans, and lobbied the Premier League to pull the plug on the deal.

Newcastle's owners have a net worth of £320 billion, which is more than all of the other 19 clubs combined - something which would have also ruffled more than a few feathers.

The controversial takeover deal has also been met with plenty of opposition from Amnesty International, due to Saudi Arabia's appalling human rights record.

They urged the Premier League to overhaul their owners' and directors' test on Thursday, shortly before the takeover was announced.

Meanwhile, there have also been concerns at how the new ownership would engage with the club's LGBTQ community.

Homosexuality in Saudi Arabia remains illegal, but Newcastle's 'United With Pride' group is confident the deal can 'improve conditions' for the country's own relations with the LGBTQ community, according to inews.co.uk.

Newcastle's first match under the new ownership takes place on Sunday 17th October when Tottenham Hotspur visit St James' Park. The Magpies conclude the month with a trip to Crystal Palace six days later, before welcoming Chelsea to Tyneside on 30th October.

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Topics: Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Premier League, Arsenal, Newcastle United