Newcastle United has asked fans to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle-East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire.
The club was, a few days ago, taken over by the consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, after approval by the English Premier League.
Since the Saudi-led takeover, many fans have been seen storming St James’ Park in traditional Arabic attire, a gesture welcomed by Newcastle.
However, a statement on the club’s website on Wednesday stated that the gesture might be offensive to others.
It read in part, “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.”
