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

25 October 2021


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


The banner took objective at the Premier League's ownership test, following Newcastle's current ₤ 305m sale.


It was shown throughout Palace's 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.


"Following an evaluation, officers have concluded that no offences have actually been committed," said Croydon police, external.


"No further action will be taken."


The banner featured illustrations of a male worn standard Arabic clothes together with what seemed Premier League president Richard Masters.


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The banner had a checklist with alleged offences by the Saudi Arabia program.


Listed on an image 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 also holding a sword with blood on it.


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


"The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has rightly gotten extensive condemnation and anger," it stated.


"To provide the thumbs as much as this offer at a time when the Premier League is promoting the ladies's game and inclusive efforts such as rainbow armbands, reveals the total hypocrisy at play and shows the league's soulless agenda where earnings trump all."


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


When approving the takeover, the Premier League said it had received from the brand-new owners that the Saudi state would not manage Newcastle United and there would be charges if it was shown otherwise.


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


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