Newcastle United fans are split over a potential £340m takeover by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, with many seeing it as a chance to oust owner Mike Ashley. Season-ticket holder Billy Cann, who stopped renewing in 2010, said he no longer wants to give Ashley any money. He compared the situation to Manchester City's Abu Dhabi-backed success.
However, some fans are uneasy about the Saudi regime's human rights record, which Amnesty International calls 'appalling'. Norman Riley of the True Faith fanzine said he finds Saudi policies 'abhorrent' and would reassess his relationship with the club if the deal goes through.
The majority of fans remain focused on removing Ashley, who has owned the club for 13 years. Many stopped renewing season tickets after manager Rafael Benitez left last summer due to lack of financial backing. Ashley responded by offering 10,000 free half-season tickets in December.
Podcast host Steve Wraith said Ashley's treatment of Benitez was 'the ultimate act of treachery' and warned that losing fans could cut out a new generation of supporters. He believes Ashley is not a willing seller and will only leave for a 'ridiculous offer'.
The Saudi bid, led by financier Amanda Staveley and the Reuben brothers, is not short of money. But critics point to similar concerns about Manchester City's ownership, which Amnesty says relies on exploited migrant labour and suppresses dissent.
