Newcastle United Football Club reversed their decision not to ban Arab headdresses, as fans redress up for the first away match in new Saudi ownership.
The Magpies drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace today in an eventful game that saw Christian Benteke denied a late winner by VAR at Selhurst Park.
Newcastle released a statement on Wednesday claiming that the club’s Saudi Arabian owners weren’t offended by what appeared to be a misguided tribute, but asked them not to.
In a second statement, the club said that they have reversed their advice to supporters.
Newcastle fans refused to listen to the club’s plea for Arab headdresses in their first away match as part of the new Saudi ownership
The statement stated: “Newcastle United FC would love to clarify the guidance issued on Wednesday, October 20th regarding matchday dress.”
“The community has been overwhelming the new owners of the club since its acquisition two weeks ago.
“The welcome was extended to those who dressed in culturally traditional clothing and head covers.
‘Those who wish support the club by wearing appropriate culturally inspired clothing should feel free do so as they please. We are open to all.
‘To repeat what we said earlier, neither the club or its new owners were offended at attire worn, and we appreciate the overt statements made by our great supporters of support and acceptance.
‘Newcastle United FC and its new owners continue to support the Premier League’s initiatives on diversity and inclusion, including No Room for Racism.
“In closing, we would like to thank the Newcastle United FC fans for their amazing support.”
It comes after hundreds of people wore tea towels on top of their heads during Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham at St. James’ Park.
Sportsmail The FA and Kick It Out were both alarmed by the spectacle on Tuesday. The equality group contacted Kick It Out to voice their concerns.
The club’s Head Of Inclusion was happy to meet with supporters’ groups to explain how such attire could be considered offensive.
“Newcastle United asks supporters to not wear traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired headscarves at matches if it is not their usual attire,” the club stated.
Newcastle stated Wednesday that they were not offended at what appeared to be a misguided tribute by fans. However, they asked them to refrain from making any further statements.
But Newcastle supporters were again seen donning home-made head-dresses
Christian Benteke thought he had won the match for Palace late on, scoring a thundering headed goal
‘Several supporters attended St James’ Park recently wearing headcovers and robes that were associated with the takeover by the Public Investment Fund and PCP Capital Partners. This is to mark the arrival of RB Sports and Media.
“No one in the new ownership group was offended at the choice of attire by fans to celebrate in this manner. It was a positive gesture that was welcomed and acknowledged. It is possible that some people may find it offensive, and this could be culturally unacceptable.
‘All guests to the club are encouraged and encouraged to wear whatever the norm is for their own culture and religion. This will reflect the diverse and rich multicultural communities and groups to which the club proudly aspires to support.
Newcastle asks fans not to wear Arab-style clothes for matches in the event of offence
Kick It Out took pictures of supporters wearing the homemade head-dresses after their defeat by Tottenham.
Kick It Out spent Monday collecting reports from fixtures about anti-discriminatory behavior, as they do every Monday before contacting the club.
SportsmailIt was learned that the equality and inclusion group will offer education workshops in Newcastle to help fans understand how wearing tea towels in an attempt at impersonating Arabs could be considered offensive, racist, or culturally insensitive.
The sight of Toon Army members in tea towels was particularly disturbing as it occurred at the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign. During this period, fans will be asked to challenge and report discrimination.
To celebrate the new Saudi-led ownership, Magpies supporters have been making the gesture.
Newcastle fans were asked by a city pub not to wear Arab-style clothing when celebrating the club’s purchase.
The Bridge Tavern, Akenside Hill, Newcastle, advised supporters not to wear attire that could be considered cultural appropriation.
The Bridge Tavern issued a statement on its Facebook page, saying: “While we understand that Newcastle fans are excited by the recent club takeover. We also ask that customers refrain form attending our bar wearing any attire that might be considered culturally inappropriate.
“We welcome everyone in our charming little boozer. We would be devastated if anyone felt unwelcome or disrespected.”