Newcastle Takeover: No Police Action On Crystal Palace Fans' Banner

25 October 2021


Police say no additional action will be taken after a banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans targeted the Saudi Arabian-led takeover of Newcastle United.


The banner took aim at the Premier League's test, following Newcastle's recent ₤ 305m sale.


It was displayed during Palace's 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.


"Following an assessment, officers have concluded that no offenses have actually been dedicated," said Croydon police, external.


"No further action will be taken."


The banner featured illustrations of a male worn conventional Arabic clothing together with what appeared to be Premier League president Richard Masters.


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The banner had a list with supposed offences by the Saudi Arabia regime.


Listed on a photo of a clipboard under the headline 'Premier League Owners Test' were 'Terrorism, beheading, civil liberties abuses, murder, censorship and persecution'.


The male in Arab-style clothing was likewise holding a sword with blood on it.


Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics took credit for the banner on Twitter, and issued a declaration.


"The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has actually appropriately received extensive condemnation and anger," it stated.


"To provide the thumbs approximately this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the females's game and inclusive initiatives such as rainbow armbands, shows the total hypocrisy at play and demonstrates the league's soulless agenda where earnings exceed all."


The takeover was 80% funded by Saudi Arabia's Public Mutual fund (PIF), whose chair is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.


When authorizing the takeover, the Premier League said it had actually gotten legal assurances from the new owners that the Saudi state would not control Newcastle United and there would be charges if it was proved otherwise.


The fans group's statement said this decision "made a mockery" of the 'Owners and Directors' test.


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