Newcastle United have asked fans to stop wearing traditional Arabic clothing to matches.
Following the £305 million Saudi-backed takeover earlier this month, Newcastle supporters wore tea towels and head coverings for their Premier League match against Tottenham at St James’ Park on Sunday.
But Newcastle have now told fans that the wearing of Arabic clothing and Middle East-inspired head coverings is ‘culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others’.
‘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,’ read a statement from Newcastle.
‘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 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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