Newcastle United: Football’s latest victim

Newcastle United. One of English football’s most beloved clubs have recently become the latest victim of football’s ongoing sportswashing problem . A story of how goals and celebrations become a cover for murders and executions.

So what actually is sportswashing?

Sport’s global popularity and reach means it is now a major political and economic asset. Enter the problem of sportswashing. Sportswashing is often described as how an individual, company or country uses sport in order to paint themselves in a positive light whilst distracting from accused wrongdoings.

Although sportswashing is a relatively new term, the problem has been prevalent in sport since the early 20th century. One of the most notable instances is the hosting of the 1936 Olympics, which legitimised the Nazi rule, ignored human rights violations and gave opportunity for Hitler to promote his Aryan race ideology. Other examples include the hosting of the 1934 World Cup by Italy and the 1978 World Cup by Argentina.

The takeover of Newcastle United

Image credit: HTGanzo - stock.adobe.com

Founded in 1892, Newcastle United are long considered one of the biggest football clubs in England and have a rich history in the game. However, the 21st century has seen relegations in 2009 and 2016. In 2007, the club was purchased by Mike Ashley and over the next 14 years his relationship with supporters has soured leading to him eventually selling the club. A hugely popular football club was now in need of a new owner. It’s here that our story begins.

On the 7th of October 2021, the takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was confirmed. Within a few months, PIF’s intention had been made clear, with a record breaking £90 million spend in the following January transfer window. This was followed by a £123 million spend over the following summer, which has seen Newcastle turn into top 4 contenders during the 2022/23 season. Although the consortium denies that the Saudi state is involved, the PIF is chaired by Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), crown prince of Saudi Arabia. Clearly the Saudi state is aiming to follow in the footsteps of both Qatar and  the U.A.E who have seen great reputational success with their takeovers of PSG and Manchester City respectively.

The Premier League was criticised for its role in the takeover, claiming to receive “legally binding assurances” that PIF and the Saudi state were separate, despite Saudi Arabian experts stating this would be practically impossible to do. This allowed the consortium to pass the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test, which the Saudi state would likely have failed. The application of the test was branded a failure, leading to political backlash and ministers agreeing to a review of the takeover process.

Image credit: chrisdorney - stock.adobe.com

So what’s the problem?

It’s clear that the purchase of Newcastle United by PIF is not due to a love of football but because of the value the Premier League football club has as a tool with which to paint Saudi Arabia in a positive light. Early indications are that this worked with a Newcastle United Supporter’s Trust survey suggesting 97% of fans supported the takeover. However, a number of Newcastle fans, such as NUFC fans against sportswashing, have been vocal about their disapproval and outrage of the takeover due to a number of humans rights violations, a report on which can be found here.

For example, a Saudi-led intervention in the Yemeni civil war led to at least 8,773 civilians being killed and 9841 wounded, as of August 2021. A majority of these casualties are thought to have come from coalition airstrikes, some of which may be considered war crimes, of schools, hospitals, mosques and homes. In addition to the airstrikes, the coalition imposed an aerial and naval blockade restricting the importation of food and other life-saving goods, leading to what many believe could be the worst famine in modern history. For more information on the Saudi involvement in the Yemen war, click here

Image credit: akram.alrasny - stock.adobe.com  

Another issue is the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist and political activist. He was murdered on the 2nd October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Saudi Arabia’s investigation into the murder found that the murder was committed without the crown prince’s knowledge and had not been premeditated. However, both Turkey and the UN investigations contradict this, suggesting there is reasonable evidence that the murder was premeditated, while the CIA concluded with medium to high confidence that the crown prince was involved.  

This political silencing has attracted global attention, leading to condemnations from major countries and the cancelling of arms deals between Saudi Arabia and several European nations. The murder saw a major decline in the global reputation of Saudi Arabia and is likely one of the leading factors behind MBS seeking to use sport to rebrand the country’s image.  

It seems incredibly unfair that the undying support for the club that the fans have is being exploited in order to distract and minimise from certain atrocities. The power that the takeover has to dominate news relegates the importance of stories of human right’s violations committed by Saudi Arabia and begins to change the perception the world has of the country. The acceptance of the takeover also implies a sense of approval of the country’s actions and paints a stain on the club’s history.  

Concluding thoughts

Although the takeover has clearly seen an improvement in Newcastle’s performance, the importance of the issues surrounding Saudi Arabia must not be taken away from. We must not let Newcastle’s performance on the pitch steal the attention that should be placed on the human right’s record of the new owners. So I leave you this question, how can it be allowed that the passion and love the fans have for Newcastle United be hijacked and used to distract from conspiracies of murder and war? 

For further reading on sportswashing and the takeover of Newcastle see below:

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/17511321.2022.2107697?needAccess=true&role=button

https://theses.ubn.ru.nl/bitstream/handle/123456789/13357/O%27Kelly%2C_Matthew_1.pdf?sequence=1

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snippet of the beginning of dubcon anthony gordon/frank phonesex fic. set after anthony's england nt callup.

The conversation has been on his mind for months now.  Since Everton.  It traveled with him to Newcastle and it’ll be joining him at St. George’s Park.   He’s even called upon the conversation recently.  To his benefit, he sees, but this wasn’t without its problems.  

When you sell your soul, it might text you from time to time.  

He scrolls through his messages again, resting his thumb on the one he’d responded to.  One swipe left and he could just…delete it.  But instead—the conversation.

You always have to work hard and be smart.  Just like I did, and you’re just like me.

Anthony thought: Am I just like you?

It sometimes took Frank a while to get hard again, but when they had a lot of time together they liked to use every second, so they put in the time until Frank was ready again, kissing and hugging and cuddling and talking.  Anthony had realized Frank loved to hear himself talk.  He played humble, and everyone in YouTube comments was sure that he was— “great guy, top bloke, one of the nicest people you’ll meet.”  And he loved to hear himself talk.

But if something can give you the advantage on top of your hard work—I don’t mean anything illegal—

Yeah, thanks Dad, I know—

—But if anything comes up that you can use to your advantage, don’t be afraid to use it.  If you don’t, everyone else will.  You don’t want your hard work to be for nothing.

The way Frank said the word nothing always stuck with Anthony.  Now, sitting in his parked car, he hears it again in Frank’s accent and feels how the word tickled against his neck back then.  Frank knew his shit when it came to the system.  Things hadn’t always been easy for Anthony.  Some of his teammates had lived a life he never could have lived.  So he didn’t want it to all be for nothing.  

He’d still felt Frank’s breath against his neck when he responded to the gaffer’s text.  And sitting in the car, looking at it among the flood of congratulations, he feels it again, hears the way he always dipped in and out of East London and Press Conference, so many people in that head fighting with each other to stay in and to get out.  Even now, sitting in his car.  He can’t shake it off.

And then make sure you show the proper gratitude.  No matter how big you get, there’s always someone bigger.  They can help you, or hurt you, and they’ll eat their own no matter how proper English you think you are, so always do what you can to make sure they help you.  You understand me?

Yes, gaffer.

My good, smart boy.  I can’t wait to see you shine bigger than Goodison. 

Frank’s come dried onto his cheeks and chin, Frank’s thumb stroking over it.  Stiff on Anthony’s skin when he moved his mouth to speak. 

He shakes the memory off, tries to bring back the buzzing he’s been feeling since the call-up.  He unlocks the car and then he gets the call that he knows has been coming.  GAFFER.  But Eddie is his gaffer now.

And still.  He’s never changed it.

He ignores GAFFER’s call, but he hears Frank’s words in his ear again, as much as a takeover of his senses as Frank’s damp, sticky, soft cock was as it pressed against his ass during that conversation.  He doesn’t remember anything with as many of his senses the way he does his times with Frank.

And then make sure you show the proper gratitude…

And he remembers snuggling against the gaffer’s strong chest, feeling the plump tits and hard nipples brush his back.  Yes, gaffer.  I always will.  You told me you liked that I don’t take things for granted.

That’s right, just how I was raised.  You’re such a good boy, the pride of England someday, I can feel it.  Now.  You’ll help your Frank out with your mouth, won’t you?

He’s not surprised when the missed call does not go to voicemail, and just seconds later, Frank calls again.

It’s late at this point. Frank has a family.  Shouldn’t he be putting his kids to bed, or whatever the fuck he did with his family?  In Everton it was like he was a guy away at his first year at uni.  Staying up late, eating whatever, never mentioning people back in London.  Sometimes they’d come to games—up to Liverpool, or to Everton away—and Anthony tried not to even look in their direction. He could vaguely picture Frank’s famous wife, and his two little kids from his phone wallpaper, and Harry and Jamie Redknapp, but he didn’t want to see them or learn who his aunts sisters nieces nephews were.  He never wanted it to be serious like that.

He answers the second call because the breath burns his neck and the words tickle his ear and Frank’s thick Everton body presses against him, urges him.

“…Hi, Frank.”

“My boy. Wanted to congratulate you in a personal way.  You deserve better than a text.”

My boy.  It’s familiar, too familiar.  Entitled is the word.

Okay so on the Aston Martin rumours: Stroll's ownership of Aston Martin (the public company that makes cars) is not the same thing as his ownership of Aston Martin the racing team. After a stalk on companies house, the ultimate control of the racing team is split between a few people. Now it's possible that if Stroll were to sell his shares in the car company, his shares in the racing team could go along with it, but not necessarily. So he could sell the car company shares but retain ownership of the team.

Now will he? No idea. The rumour that he wants to sell his shares in the car company also seems odd, PIF (the Saudi investment fund) are already major shareholders; getting Stroll's shares would mean they have the opportunity to launch a takeover bid, but they don't usually take control of operating companies and def not ones that require detailed turnarounds. It's possible, just seems odd.

What would maybe make more sense would be that PIF want the racing team (rather than control over the car company). PIF already own a football club (Newcastle) so this seems more up their alley.

My man Lawrence just wants to retire away from Formula 1 and take it easy so he can spend more time being a grandparent 😔

So the Saudi takeover of Newcastle is a state takeover (who knew other than everyone but the media) and the gov helped facilitate it cos they're shit scared of bin Salman personally and also politically cos Saudi money is embedded in the UK and Aramco are the single biggest provider of oil to the west.

This in turn means the Prem as an org won't do anything about it or do anything that upsets the Saudis cos the political & economic implications are severe (as bin Salman threatened).

This has huge ramifications for the future cos whatever they want eg super league, they'll probably get.

So everything fans said at the time is true.

The game's gone lads, but it's actually properly gone

on the one hand i understand sunderland fans hating sam fender making everything about newcastle especially last night at sjp with all the flags and ppl doing football chants and what not but it’s also fucking hilarious seeing how wound up they get about it (and then at the same time saying he doesn’t even like football like why would anyone have pretended to be a newcastle fan before the takeover fucking idiots). if i was a singer playing at the lane i’d 100% have the place decked out in spurs stuff and i’d probably even do a cover of ossie’s dream and if it made gooners uncomfortable then good 

psg and city are NOT two sides of the same coin. psg is about 50 years old and has one of the most insane wage structures in the world. city isnt that excessive and has a LOT of history despite what kids nowadays think. before the money city where getting record attendance levels in league 1, their fans stayed loyal through the relegations and heartbreak and honestly they deserve this success cos they are a very mancunnian loyal fan base imo. same with newcastle tbf with their takeover. i dont agree with the owners and the way they make their money, but i cant fault the fanbases of those two clubs, they are real local fans that have been there for the lows so should be able to celebrate the highs….its not like they chose to be bought anyway lol, they didnt get to make the decision 😂

swear i read somewhere that newcastle want to have won the wsl by 2027

was that someone from the actual club saying it or delusional fans? it definitely wasn't the tone that came across from that article about the takeover

What some people might not realise is that they probably use products backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) all the time. Disney, Uber, Facebook and Starbucks are just some of the companies to have received hundreds of millions of pounds from PIF, which owns 80% of Newcastle.

[Peanuts compared to the looming loss of income from oil!]

2021

Chelsea vs Newcastle live updates: Confirmed team news, line-ups for Premier League match

New Post has been published on https://petn.ws/QTVKB

Chelsea vs Newcastle live updates: Confirmed team news, line-ups for Premier League match

“That was madness, that was crazy,” Kieran Trippier says, and even now the standard-bearer for Newcastle United cannot quite explain his plunging loss of form in a dreadful, spiralling December. The on-field captain of Eddie Howe’s team has been their tone-setter post-takeover, one of the most important signings in Newcastle’s modern history. But three months […]

See full article at https://petn.ws/QTVKB #OtherNews

Beer Events 1.25

Events

São Paulo founded (Brazil; 1554)

Brewers Indemnity Fund Association founded (New York; 1884)

Louis Baeppler patented  an Improvement in Beer-Coolers (1876)

Canadian Breweries patented the Continuous Boiling and Hopping of Brewers’ Wort (1966)

Mack Johnston patented a Siphone Device for Beer Kegs (1966)

John Anggelbeck patented a Pallet for kegs (1972)

Mack Johnston patented a Keg Tapping Device (1972)

Apple Macintosh computer debuts (1984)

Idaho Brewing released its 1st Barley Wine (1999)

Russian River's Sanctification 1st bottled (2005)

Scottish & Newcastle accepted takeover bid from Carlsberg and Heineken (2008)

Sven van Westreenen patented a new design for a Beer Bottle (2011)

Breweries Opened

Bushwacker Brewing (Canada; 1991)

Bear Republic Brewing (California; 1996)

Copper Tank Brewing (Texas; 1996)

CW1 – How Sports Washing Affects Inclusivity

Sports, once considered an example of fair competition and athletic spectacle, has been increasingly more engaged in the complicated world of politics. This marriage between sports and politics has given rise to the concept named sports washing. The term sports washing began as a concept to describe the action of authoritarian regimes or other bodies with bad public images using sporting events and investing in sports franchises to enhance their international image and distract attention from their controversial political stances and actions. The manipulation of sport for political purposes can undermine the principles of diversity, equity and integration and can be an example where inclusivity is compromised for profit.

By definition, Sports washing refers to the strategic use of sports as a tool for political gain or distraction. Authoritarian governments and organizations invest heavily in sporting events, clubs or franchises to give them a positive image on the world stage, therefore diverting attention from their actions which could span between human rights violations, political repression or corruption. This practice exploits the emotional connection people have with sports to create an illusion and distract from the underlying issues.

Historically, the origins of sports washing can be traced to instances when countries have exploited sporting events to promote their agendas in politics. The 1978 World Cup in Argentina and the 1980 Moscow Olympics during the Soviet-Afghan War are examples of how regimes used sport to project power and divert international attention from controversial policies but no sports washing event is quite as infamous than the 1936 Olympics held in Germany.

Adolf Hitler's Nazi regime used the 1936 Berlin Olympics as a propaganda tool to highlight Aryan racial superiority and hide the oppressive nature of the regime. The Nazis aimed to present Germany as a peaceful and culturally advanced nation, distracting attention from their discriminatory policies and preparations for war. The international community participated widely in the Olympics, contributing to the normalization of the Nazi regime on the world stage. When the games were held, only one member of the German team was Jewish whilst Nazi propaganda remained in attempts to portray the country and peaceful and tolerant for the media eye. Three years later, Germany invaded Poland and kickstarted World War II which would lead to the deaths of million, notably the six million Jews who would be killed in the Holocaust.

The concept of sports washing is dynamic and in the contemporary landscape, numerous examples illustrate how sports washing is as prevalent as ever. With its controversial labour practises and human rights problems, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar exemplifies how a country may use a major sporting event to transform its worldwide image in the modern era. Similarly, the acquisition of football clubs by businesses with poor human rights records raises ethical concerns regarding sports organisations' responsibilities, the most recent example was the takeover of Newcastle by the PIF.

Because of the involvement of a Saudi government institution, the takeover of Newcastle United Football Club by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) sparked concerns and was widely discussed in the context of sports washing. The Saudi Arabian government owns the Public Investment Fund, which has raised controversy about the possible influence of governments in football as well as worries about human rights issues related with Saudi Arabia. Several bodies, notably human rights organisations, expressed concern about Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and The Premier League was urged to take these concerns into account during the approval process.

The Premier League held an Owners' and Directors' Test to evaluate whether the takeover was in accordance with the league's rules and regulations. The procedure was delayed, and there were ongoing discussions regarding the ethical implications of the ownership structure, but it was later determined to be viable. This is a prevalent example as to how profit can undermine people, especially through the context of the Premier League, arguably the most prestigious in the world, giving the green light to a takeover linked with so much controversy surrounding human rights.

This has not been the only example of Saudi Arabia’s recent involvement in sports washing. Saudi Arabia has made significant investments in sports, including hosting major boxing and motorsports events. These attempts are considered as part of the country's effort to change its image and gain international attention, especially in light of concerns about human rights and political repression. The Saudi Pro League clubs have spent lavishly to recruit players from throughout the world, particularly Al-Nassr, which signed top player Cristiano Ronaldo for a reported $200 million per year, making him the world's highest paid athlete. Ronaldo's acquisition last season was followed by a host of talented players and coaches from Europe's top clubs who were seduced away from the highest level for financial gain.

Continuing on this, athletes can often be caught in the conflict of politics and sports washing. Athletes can play the role of influencers with great reach, but they must contend with the ethical dilemma of participating in regimes associated with sportswear cleaning. Furthermore, sporting organisations often face challenges surrounding sponsorship contracts, event planning and sustaining ethical standards in the face of commercial incentives. In many cases athletes and sports organisations are faced with the decision of putting profit over people by participating in a sports washing scheme.

Sport and identity are inextricably linked, and sports washing can have a significant impact on public opinion. Fans must deal with the ethical challenge of supporting teams or events that involve forms of sports participation. The media's role must also be considered in affecting public opinion and the ethical considerations involved in reporting on sports with political significance. Michael Skey, of Eco-Business, understands why sport plays the important role in veneering the image of these regimes:

“Sport matters because it plays a significant role in the lives of large numbers of people and can be used to target the attention of particular groups national, class-based, gender and age. In a fragmented media landscape, it is also one of the few remaining forms of ‘content’ that can bring together large audiences.

This makes it as attractive to media companies and sponsors as it does to governments and states. Therefore, one of the key contributions of sportswashing is that it specifically draws attention to the ways in which an association with sports is used to try and burnish a country’s reputation. 

Indeed, the role of various media organisations and platforms in these wider debates, whether as advocates or critics, is worthy of further attention. This is particularly the case in relation to sports fans who can have a key role in supporting an owner or organiser that they believe is likely to offer their athletes, team or sport greater success.”

However, Skey debates whether sports washing is actually working. Though propaganda from a certain regime through the mouthpiece of a sports franchise or event can convince the masses, often the involvement of these regimes can draw a public light to their activity.

“Although sportswashing has become a feature of mainstream media reporting, we require better ways of evaluating its impact to say whether it works. 

Some of the current debates assume that the hosting of an event or purchase of a sports club naturally leads to favourable reviews or attitudes, whether among fans of a given club or the sport in general. 

Research around the hosting of mega-events has shown a good deal of resistance from a range of sources. Therefore, we need to investigate who supports and who resists, through what means and channels and to what ends. 

It would also be good to know more about the kinds of reputational capital that are generated by such associations with sporting events, organisations and personalities and to what extent they persist over time.”

With the media almost dictating what is publicly considered sports washing, Skey believes it is possible that media agendas are pushed through the accusation of sports washing whilst regimes that may fall under the same label are left to continue as they were.

“Normally, it is only non-Western states that are accused of sportswashing, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar and China are obvious examples. But if the term is to mean anything it not only has to be clearly defined but also applied in a consistent manner.

The cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games by authorities in Australia has led people to question the relevance of a competition based on relations between a fading imperial power and its former dominions. 

Interestingly, one term that has not been applied to this event is ‘sportswashing’. This is a curious oversight given that sportswashing has become a recent feature of media reporting around high-profile sporting events, teams and players.”

With sports organisations and franchises frequently used as vehicles for sports laundering, with investments and sponsorships coming from unknown political sources. This can lead to distorted representation in the management of sports organisations. It can be investigates the potential exclusion of pro-inclusivity voices by investigating how political concerns influence the make up of leadership voices. Jamie Carragher believes this, in particular, puts pressure on athletes who want to stay consistent with their public relations but also have their personal interests at heart when making career decisions.

“Henderson has a big problem to deal with because of his previous remarks in support of the LGBTQ+ community. I fully understand that criticism and it is justified. Jordan was heralded on the back of his speaking out, so he has difficult questions to answer, and the critical reaction towards him will have a negative impact moving forward for those communities who cherish support from high-profile figures.

When other footballers hear the criticism directed at him, they will not say ‘I can’t go to Saudi’. They will be told by their advisors to keep their mouth shut in case they move there in future, thus avoiding accusations of hypocrisy.”

This suggests that sacrifice political stances have their price and directly supports the claim that profit trumps inclusivity. Carragher eludes to certain facets of the sports industry, where the money is so great, that athletes and organisations will protect their financial opportunities over a genuine stance which in hand allows sports washing to thrive.

“buying silence, a grave impact of sportswashing. This is where Fifa and other sporting bodies have also been open to criticism and should have been stronger. Governing bodies have the power to say countries will not be allowed to host major sporting events unless they meet human rights requirements. You cannot preach inclusive values only to turn a blind eye when the price is right and not expect criticism.”

Individuals and companies in sports frequently lack clear and widely recognised ethical rules to adhere to. In the absence of specific guidance from sports regulation organisations, athletes and organisations may engage in a grey area where financial incentives and opportunities take precedence over ethical considerations. Because there is no clear regulation addressing sports washing, athletes and organisations are compelled to make judgements based on personal motivations and priorities, further complicating the ethical picture in the sports industry.  

Inclusivity is crucial in sports organisations for promoting ideas and ensuring a variety of voices involved in something promoted to everyone. However, sports washing may distort this representation. When entities associated with authoritarian regimes invest in or purchase sports franchises, leadership structures may be influenced by political considerations rather than a commitment to inclusivity. Individuals fighting for inclusion and diversity within sports organisations may be excluded as a result of governments' participation in sports washing. This raises ethical questions about the impact of external political influences on the makeup of leadership teams and the potential suppression of voices asking for fair representation.

Inclusion spans beyond leadership structures to athlete care, especially during significant sporting events organised by governments involved in sports washing. The exploitation of migrant workers, which many of who are members of marginalised groups, calls into question inclusion and fair working practises. Hosting large scale events may result in human rights breaches, harming the variety of the labour force involved in event preparation. Athletes' well-being and rights may be jeopardised if they are made to play in unfair circumstances. States may overlook inclusion principles in pursuit of international importance through sports events, resulting in a system that prioritises entertainment over fair treatment for individuals contributing to the event's success.

In the field of sports washing, inclusion within the perspective of gender equality has alternative challenges. Major sporting events, which authoritarian regimes usually use to project their image, may overshadow efforts for gender equality in nations where women's rights are under attack. In such cases, the commitment to diversity may be particular, highlighting male athletes' accomplishments while disregarding the problems that women face in sports. When sports organisations or sports related activities continue or disregard discriminatory behaviour, ethical concerns about women's rights and inclusivity become increasingly obvious. Female athletes may be caught between their athletic passion and their moral beliefs to push for gender equality in the field of sport.

The idea of inclusion in sports includes the fan base because these events are effective at building a sense of community and belonging. However, sports washing run the risk of losing some fan bases and tarnishing the sports industry's inclusion. Supporters who identify as belonging to disadvantaged groups or who emphasise moral concerns may feel excluded from sporting events or organisations associated with controversial political stances. The political usage of sports may create a less inviting environment as fans struggle with the moral dilemma of supporting teams or events that may have connections to organisations who engage in sports washing. Political conflict can overshadow a fanbases passion can put strain on the diverse nature of a fanbase. 

Conclusively, the impact of sports washing on inclusivity in sports is a complicated and varied subject. It challenges the fundamental concepts of equal representation, fair labour practises, gender equality, and fan involvement. The sports industry needs to stay inclusive despite these challenges in order to preserve sports' legitimacy and ensure that fans' passion for the game isn't overshadowed by conflicts over politics. In order to navigate the ethical landscape and build an environment that embodies diversity and good sportsmanship, stakeholders in the industry of sports must collaborate to stamp out the growing power of sports washing.

I had these debates mostly with myself tbf 2/3 years ago when the Saudis were sniffing round Newcastle

Letting them in was huge

Cos now the Premier League ceo Richard Masters is well in over his head. The Prem is a huge business, but dealing with powerful unpredictable states - especially one that is heavily involved in western oil supplies - is too big for the chairman, for the sport

But they welcomed em in, they welcome all foreign investment

Boris Johnson personally committed himself to the Saudi takeover of Newcastle United after they threatened "commercial and economic consequences" for Britain if the takeover didn't happen

And now they're using the club as a foothold to take control of football either by usurping the Prem or creating a rival league like they did with Liv golf

Honestly, the horse bolted when they let the UAE buy City

And now look; the all mighty all powerful soft power entity known as the Prem - a league that's shown and loved in virtually every country on earth - is facing extinction

Protecting profits: The UK government’s interference in the Newcastle-Saudi takeover shows their lack of care for human rights

Above - Lee Smith/Action Images/Reuters – Saudi Arabia playing Costa Rica in a friendly at St. James’ Park.

October 7th 2021, a day in which most football fans in England should have been happy to see arrive – the day Newcastle United, a club mistreated by previous owner Mike Ashley was sold.

It was a day for many that they felt they finally had their club back.

However, for certain fans, October 7th represented the day they never felt further away from the club they supported. 

The new owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia (PIF) arrived, and for many, it was hard to distinguish between them and Saudi Arabia as a state – a country where homosexuality is criminalised, and women are severely suppressed. 

Here was an ownership group, led by new Chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan, who believed that certain members of their fans were criminals for the simple offence of being their own person, having their own sexuality.  

Many wondered how this possible, how could a state like Saudi Arabia be able to purchase a club like Newcastle, given what they represent? Haven’t the UK government been setting up an independent regulator since 2019 to assess football owners? 

The truth is yes, the UK government has been setting up an independent regulator – a process which is still ongoing as of 2023. However, this time, the government were willing to ignore that because they needed this deal to go through. They needed the PIF to purchase Newcastle Utd. 

Despite what Saudi Arabian takeover represented, the blatant disregard for LGBTQ+ groups, the suppression of women’s rights and so on, the UK government were the driving force behind this deal going through. 

UK-Saudi relations at stake in regard to takeover

During the takeover talks, it became more and more apparent how important the deal for the PIF to take control of the Northeast club was to UK-Saudi relations – a relationship which had become more important to the UK government during its rebuilding of the country’s economy following the impact of ‘Brexit’ as well as the Covid-19 pandemic. 

In leaked emails from The Athletic, a script from the UK’s Deputy Ambassador to Saudi Arabia read: 

“It’s not for HMG (Her Majesty’s Government) to intervene in buying/selling football clubs. But HMG is not neutral about UK’s relationship with Saudi Arabia. It is a crucial and valuable relationship with an important partner, regionally and globally. The purchase of Newcastle United by KSA’s (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) sovereign wealth fund would be a valuable boost to the relationship and signal of intent for further Saudi investment in the north east (the region of England where Newcastle is).”

The UK is Saudi Arabia’s closest European ally, with the Kingdom likewise being the UK’s primary trading partner for the Middle East. The relationship between the two encapsulates the likes of arms deals as well as joint ventures, of which there are over 200 worth a combined $17.5 billion. 

One such arms deal, entitled Al-Yamamah, includes the delivery of 600,000 barrels of crude oil per day to the UK, largely in return for various aircraft and missiles to be used by the Royal Saudi Airforce. The CEO of the main contractor for the deal involving crude oil believed in 2005 that his company had made £43 billion in twenty years and predicted another £40 billion more could potentially be earned.

Above - Pool / Pool / Getty Images – Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson on a visit to Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman roughly six months after the PIF takeover of Newcastle Utd.

It makes sense, therefore that the UK government would want to protect its interests in its relationship with Saudi Arabia given their value to the economy at a time of turmoil, however, by letting the PIF take control at Newcastle Utd, it represented them ignoring the obvious problems that the Kingdom has with human rights. 

The deal, before it was completed, drew the ire of various charities and human rights groups, with the CEO of Amnesty UK – a group aimed at protecting people when truth, justice and freedom is denied – Sacha Deshmukh believing the deal represented “a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football”.

In Saudi Arabia, homosexuality is illegal and punishable by death, life imprisonment and there have been some examples of chemical castration. Whilst there are no laws against transgender people, there are instances of people being forced to detransition, with one person who faced this committing suicide. Women’s rights, whilst making marginal improvement over the past couple years, are still neglected by the Saudi state who ranked 127th out of 153 countries in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2022. 

In order to avoid the scrutiny of associating with this oppression, then-prime minister, Boris Johnson addressed parliament stating, “These are commercial matters for the parties concerned. The government was not involved at any point in the takeover talks on the sale of Newcastle United.” 

However, this statement was revealed to be false in the aforementioned emails leaked by The Athletic, indicating that they were letting the profit received as part of this deal which, helped maintain and develop relations between the two nations cloud their vision, resulting in them disregarding the struggle of minority groups in their fight for equality. 

If the emails weren’t enough, Johnson visited Saudi Arabia in March 2022, as pictured above, little over six months after the Newcastle Utd takeover to discuss oil sales to the UK. The UK were trying to find alternatives to gas supplies from Russia in the aftermath of the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine, turning to Saudi Arabia as a result. This is in line with research compiled by the Policy Institute for the Oxford Research Group which indicates that the UK has little leverage in its dealings with the Kingdom, in contrast, Saudi Arabia has greater influence over the UK. This once again emphasises why the government were so keen for the takeover to go through – they need Saudi Arabia.  

As part of the discussions, they also spoke about Saudi Vision 2030 – the Gulf state’s plan to diversify its economy away from oil and gas reserves to a more mixed make up of industries. A big part of this is the takeover of the Tyneside club, seen as a stepping stone in establishing Saudi Arabia on the sporting stage ahead of its highly probable hosting of the 2034 FIFA World Cup. This event is perceived by many as the epitome of its Saudi Vision 2030 strategy – welcoming the world to its lands to present its tournament and its achievements. How welcome some people will be is yet to be seen though… 

A betrayal of communities and of human rights

October 2021 also included another landmark event in terms of LGBTQ+ groups in the context of football, however, this one was entirely positive.

Australian footballer, Josh Cavallo came out as gay, in doing so becoming the only top-flight male footballer to publicly identify as gay. 

The announcement was meant with widespread love and praise about his bravery, with other professionals, clubs and governing bodies sending their support to the Adelaide Utd player. 

One interesting message in particular, came from the official X (then Twitter) account of Newcastle Utd:

The club stated, ‘Football is for everyone.’ and that ‘Newcastle United is right with you, Josh.’  

These sentiments appeared to be very contradictory of the beliefs of the regime who took charge at St. James’ Park just twenty days prior. The scenes outside Newcastle’s home ground the evening the takeover was completed were one of jubilation, however, they were also one of blatant ignorance. Here was a group of fans celebrating the arrival of new owners whose main funding came from a nation which suppresses women and executes LGBTQ+ people. Some went even as far as to dress up in traditional Saudi dress – representing and embracing the very image of what some deem to be a scourge of their community. 

Above - GETTY IMAGES – Newcastle Utd fans celebrating the takeover of the club by the PIF, with one fan wearing a thawb – the traditional dress for men in Saudi Arabia.

It makes you question then, why would the owners then allow for a post by one of their social media accounts, embracing a culture that stands against them. 

How welcome these LGBTQ+ fans as well as women would be welcome at St. James’ Park was up in the air at the time and in the years that have followed it has still proved to be contentious. 

In September 2023, Newcastle Utd announced that the Saudi Arabian National Team would play two friendlies at St. James’ Park against Costa Rica and South Korea – a move which represented the club pulling back the curtain on their Saudi Arabian investment, not shying away from their involvement with the club. 

The question then had to be asked about how inclusive these friendlies would be. Would women or gay people be allowed to go along and voice their support for the “Green falcons”? The country that oppressed them was now in front of them and there was nothing they could do about it. 

They could follow the advice of the British government and Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly ahead of the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and respect the laws of the country and refrain from demonstrating their sexuality. 

From leaked emails, it has been made clear that James Cleverly supports Saudi Arabian involvement in Newcastle Utd, as his Private Secretary is on the record making note that, “The minister stressed that when he can, he publicly makes the case for our relationship with Saudi Arabia, as he recognises the value of our partnership.” 

That position is symbolic of the UK Conservative government’s attitude towards LGBTQ+ communities. This was continued as part of the Newcastle Utd takeover – the government ignored their plight in place of profit from their relationship with Saudi Arabia, so much so they applied pressure on the Premier League to push the deal through.

When, therefore, the Premier League helped to launch the Rainbow Laces campaign alongside the EFL and Premiership Rugby in November 2021, it put them in an awkward position. 

The month before, the Premier League approved the PIF takeover, having received "legally binding assurances" that Saudi Arabia would not control the club – a fact which is hard to disguise. Now however, they were happy to promote LGBTQ+ inclusivity as part of Rainbow Laces using the tagline 'Lace Up and Speak Up', despite having installed owners funded by a repressive nation at one of its twenty clubs. In fact, this was the second instance of state ownership in the Premier League following Manchester City’s takeover in 2008 by a UAE led company – yet another country which criminalises homosexuality. 

Murderers funding football clubs 

By allowing the Public Investment Fund to take control of Newcastle Utd, the British government and the Premier League are letting their main backer, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, effectively take control and have Newcastle Utd as his asset, despite the fact that in the eyes of the United Nations, he is heavily implicated and responsible for the planning of the murder of journalist, Jamal Khashoggi. 

Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian journalist and outspoken critic of Mohammed bin Salman and his regime. On October 2nd, 2018, he walked into the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey where he was then murdered by agents acting on orders from the Crown Prince. For two weeks following the murder, the Gulf state denied any knowledge of Khashoggi’s death, however, they then proceeded to change their story repeatedly, without any exact details.

Above - AFP – Murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi (left) and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (right). 

The act was widely condemned globally, however, some countries such as the UK did not implement sanctions on the Crown Prince himself, rather, 18 people believed to be associated with the killing. Other nations went further than this, seeing through the lies of Mohammed bin Salman, the likes of Denmark and Germany cancelled their arms deals with Saudi Arabia. 

It should therefore, come as little surprise that the UK government, albeit now under different leadership in the form of Boris Johnson in place of Theresa May, allowed the same man they let walk away from Khashoggi’s murder unpunished to own one of the most established football clubs in England. The reasoning for this is likely to be the government’s fear of upsetting bin Salman and him then pulling the trigger on any deals the UK may hold with Saudi Arabia, deals which as previously discussed, hold great value to the UK. 

In doing this, as well as failing to condemn bin Salman, the government let Saudi Arabia and the PIF become glorified in the eyes of Newcastle Utd supporters, supporters who deemed their arrival to be the moment their club was saved. The reality is that most of them did not know who they were getting into bed with because there had never been a widespread condemnation of his actions. 

As pictured previously above, Newcastle Utd fans were jubilant at the completion of the takeover: taking to the streets; parading round St. James’ Park; even dressing up in traditional Saudi robes. It does make you wonder whether they would have been quite so jubilant had they known the full truth about Jamal Khashoggi, what they were endorsing by dressing like his killers. 

Scottish National Party MP, Jon Nicolson – a member of the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, the department who oversee sport in the UK as well as freedom of the press – the very issue Khashoggi was murdered over, stated, "I'm trying to imagine what it must be like to be Jamal Khashoggi's widow, when her husband has been chopped up and murdered.... and she sees numpties dancing around in cod-Arabic dresses outside Newcastle United. That must be heart-rending.”

He also challenged the boss of the Premier League, Richard Masters directly over this issue as is shown in this video: https://youtu.be/y11a2fYjlpQ?si=BQXqAkt5bJSXwuMk

The murder of Khashoggi is another addition to the ever-increasing list of human rights abuses by Saudi Arabia, however, it is seemingly a list the British government are willing to look past if it means they can, in some way, profit from encouraging Saudi business to take place on their shores.

Inclusivity is an afterthought when Saudi money is on the table

Everything discussed in this article thus far, exemplifies the UK government’s greed and selfishness in context of who their priorities lie with. As the elected party, they should be looking to work for all their people across the nation, however, it is increasingly apparent that those priorities become compromised at the sight of profit, and in this instance, Saudi Arabian money. 

The takeover of Newcastle Utd displays in full, how far this government are willing to go to maintain their relationship with the Kingdom and with Mohammed bin Salman. They are willing to overlook the numerous times LGBTQ+ people have been punished in Saudi Arabia, even going as far to say that gay, bisexual and trans people should act differently because they are dealing with a state that doesn’t approve of them. They are also facilitating Saudi sportswashing, allowing fans of Newcastle to praise the organisation who saved them, whilst enabling its primary backer to get away with murder. 

Members of the LGBTQ+ community, women and critics of the Saudi Arabia have been betrayed by the UK government as a direct result of their millions and the Newcastle takeover puts this front and centre.

[ad_1] One of the Premier League’s most entertaining fixtures today concludes the weekend schedule as the ever-improving Magpies host Jurgen Klopp’s Reds in a mouth-watering clash at St James’ Park. Newcastle have established themselves firmly back among the big boys, thanks to their Saudi-backed takeover, but have not beaten Liverpool in any fixture for some eight years now.Liverpool know they must win games like this to have any hope of returning to the Champions League next term, after finishing fifth behind Newcastle last season, and will be buoyed by their impressive record against today’s opponents. However, ongoing speculation over Mohamed Salah’s future amid interest from Saudi Arabia has disrupted their preparations.In more positive news for Liverpool, though, Trent Alexander-Arnold has been passed fit and starts this afternoon, while new signing Wataru Endo and Joel Matip both come in. Newcastle have also been handed a fitness boost with Joelinton able to start after a knock sustained against Manchester City. Eddie Howe has named an unchanged team, with no involvement yet for Chelsea loanee Lewis Hall. Follow all the action below with Standard Sport’s dedicated match blog.Newcastle vs Liverpool latest updatesLive updatesShow latest updates 1693154367Newcastle 1-0 LiverpoolBack underway at St James’ Park!Can Newcastle further drive home their advantage, or will Liverpool defy the odds with a second-half comeback?Time to find out...1693154020Newcastle 1-0 LiverpoolA lot of debate in the Sky Sports studio at half-time, as you can imagine.Jamie Carragher is arguing passionately against fellow pundits Shay Given and Andros Townsend that it cannot possibly have been classed as a clear goalscoring opportunity for Isak, so therefore an erroneous red card for Van Dijk.He also believes that referee John Brooks’ failure to give a foul for that initial barge in the back from Gordon on Alexander-Arnold is why he didn’t give the latter a second yellow moments later.1693154037Watch: Gordon capitalises on Alexander-Arnold blunderHere’s that opening goal from Anthony Gordon. Trent Alexander-Arnold won’t want to see it ever again...1693153830Newcastle 1-0 LiverpoolHalf-timeNewcastle lead at the break after Gordon punished a dreadful error by the struggling Alexander-Arnold, who could easily have been sent off in the early stages.Van Dijk was then red-carded for a rash foul on Isak, to complete a disastrous two-minute spell for Jurgen Klopp’s team.Alisson also diverted an Almiron volley against the crossbar as Newcastle looked to make the most of their one-man advantage.But 1-0 it remains at the interval. A feisty game with plenty of action, talking points and controversy. Delicious stuff.Action Images via Reuters1693153175Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool45 mins: Four minutes of added time have been signalled at the end of this action-packed first half.After being under the cosh with 10 men, Liverpool are ending the opening period well, forcing a succession of corners and free-kicks as they try to go in on level terms against the odds.1693153111Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool43 mins: Liverpool have their wits about them again now after just about stemming that post-red card onslaught.Gakpo is denied a chance before Joelinton gets a warning for a foul on Endo.Now they have a free-kick after Almiron’s foul, but Szoboszlai misses the target.1693152730Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool39 mins: By contrast, Newcastle will be hugely frustrated if their lead is only one goal at the break.Still they pour forward against the 10 men, with Almiron this time way off target.1693152867Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool36 mins: Woodwork!Almiron takes the ball on his chest before letting fly with a vicious volley that is brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by Alisson, who is relieved to see it bounce down in front of the line before it’s scrambled away.If Liverpool get to half-time at only 1-0 down here, then they will have done very well indeed.1693152897Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool33 mins: Klopp may well have been planning to send Gomez on for Alexander-Arnold after the latter’s awful start to this game.But instead Gomez now has to come on to cover the Van Dijk red, with Diaz the attacker sacrificed.10-man Liverpool are absolutely under siege here, with Newcastle pushing hard for a second goal and led by the wonderful Tonali.1693152938Newcastle 1-0 Liverpool31 mins: Schar puts a free-kick into the wall and Tonali also lets fly as Newcastle look to quickly hammer home their numerical advantage.There was just two minutes and 20 seconds between Liverpool falling behind after that dreadful Alexander-Arnold mistake and Van Dijk being sent off for the rash foul on Isak.A crazy, costly spell for Klopp’s side. Can they recover? [ad_2]

Thursday Thrills: Begin with a Summer Festival Extravaganza!

August is here, and the festival fever is on! From lively music gatherings to mouthwatering food fests events and mesmerizing cultural events, this month has it all. Embrace the fall vibes, soak in the magical ambiance, and let August lead you on an unforgettable journey of discovery. Step out and savor the best of this vibrant season! LooseFest 5 – 6 Aug 30,000 partying loving festival people are in for the time of lives this weekend when Loosefest opens its arms, welcoming back the return of one of the North East's biggest summertime festivals.  Making this one of the best northern dance-music explosions of the weekend, the takeover comes to life on one of Newcastle’s luscious green spaces in Town Moor.  The promoters have spared no expense on hosting this two-day festival extravaganza.  From the festival outstanding production, multiple arenas, super delicious street food, beverages to keep you well-oiled and all the usual festival delights.  Then there is the incredible line-up which includes an elite collection of dance-music globe-trotting DJ royalty, spanning from the UK with a mix of international global music artists.  LooseFest brings together a stellar lineup of electronic music, featuring Sub Focus, Dimension, Ben Hemsley, Hot Since 82, Judge Jules, Horse Meat Disco, and more. With multiple arenas and the addition of headliner Sean Paul, this event promises to be the ultimate dance music extravaganza! LooseFest 2023 is the ultimate way to spend a summer's weekend in one of the UK’s most vibrant cities, without the hassle of out-of-town travel and camping in the mud. Make sure it's on your festival to do list!  Its where we’ll see you in the Toon! www.loosefest.com Tickets & More Info>  www.loosefest.com 51st State Festival 5 – Aug London, get ready for the ultimate dance music extravaganza! This weekend, the 51st State Festival returns for its eighth year, taking over its new home at Copthall. With a sensational lineup of global superstar DJs and live dance music artists, this one-day non-camping festival celebrates the core roots of house music. From classic house to tech house, afro house to garage, and soul to dancehall, the pioneers from Chicago, New York, Detroit, London, and beyond come together to create an electrifying atmosphere. The festival boasts impressive stage productions, ample food and drinks, and all the festival essentials for a fantastic experience. Prepare to be blown away by DJ sets from the likes of Roger Sanchez, Barbara Tucker, Ratpack (CLASSIC House Set), Catz ‘N Dogz, François K, Dj Jazzy Jeff, Norman Jay, Todd Terry, and many more. This promises to be one of the biggest and best daytime festivals of the summer, leaving you breathless and buzzing for weeks to come. Don't miss the dance music highlight of August in the capital! Tickets & More Info> www.51stfestival.com Wilderness Festival 3 – 6 Aug Experience the ultimate outdoor festival vibe at Wilderness Festival, set against the stunning backdrop of Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. This boutique music affair promises four days and nights of non-stop entertainment, allowing you to unleash your inner wild side. With a thoughtfully curated lineup of music, theatre, arts, and comedy. In addition this event is a spectacular extravaganza not to be missed. The star-studded music lineup includes The Chemical Brothers, Christine and the Queens, Fatboy Slim, Sugababes, Confidence Man, and many more, ready to keep you dancing and tapping your toes. Choose from various camping styles to suit your preferences and indulge in delectable treats from a wide array of top street food stalls. With a well-stocked bar to quench your thirst, you can party the weekend away and be a part of the vibrant Wilderness Festival family. Join us for an unforgettable experience where nature's finest meets festival style! Tickets & More Info> www.wildernessfestival.com 90s Fest 5 Aug This Saturday, prepare to embark on a musical journey back to the 1990s at Sheffield's Dom Valley Bowl. 90s Fest, a thrilling one-day outdoor festival, is all set to celebrate the iconic music from that era. From dance floor fillers to the neon glow sticks, get ready to relive the golden era of the 90s with your best retro attire and immerse yourself in the unforgettable soundtrack that touched countless souls. This supercharged event brings together an incredible lineup of artists who ruled the 90s music scene. Expect to groove to the beats of 2 Unlimited, Andy Whitby, Anne Savage, Armand Van Helden, Artful Dodger, BK, Baby D, and many more. With names like DJ Luck & MC Neat, DJ Sammy, Danny Rampling, and Fergie, the nostalgia will be overflowing. Get ready to rave and dance to your heart's content as these legendary artists take the stage in the heart of summer. 90s Fest promises bucket loads of nostalgia and memories, making it a can't-miss event for any music lover looking to experience the magic of the 90s once again. Tickets & More Info> www.90sworld.co.uk Love Summer Festival 3 – 7 Aug Plymouth is hosting one of the finest small independent festivals set in the Heart of South Devon. Now in its 12th year of production, the festival keeps it small enough to be friendly but still big enough to have a proper bangin' five-day party. What sets this festival apart is its intention to be low-key, achieved by limiting overall admissions, yet offering a mega lineup of homegrown and UK DJs. This is one festival where you can experience the most fun for an extended weekender, all under £100! The line-up features Dave Pearce, Danny Rampling, The Mouse Outfit, Morgs, The Fusion Project, Dave Moore, Nick The Kid, Andy Morrison, Loui TT, Kev Dread, Alex palmer, Moda, Ras Lazy, Sunday Club, DMC, Devil Man, Gravital, The Mayhaps,Aybee, Che & Leona, Natty Roots and many more Tickets & More Info> www.lovesummerfestival.com Coloursfest 5 Aug Attention Glasgow ravers! Prepare for an electrifying experience at this iconic festival, where hardstyle music takes center stage, and the beats will make your heart race. Returning for over two decades with five incredible arenas of mind-blowing production, this event is a must-attend for true music aficionados. Get ready to dance to the thrilling sounds of hard dance, hands-in-the-air trance, and energetic EDM. The lineup is packed with top-tier artists, including Showtek, D-Block & S-te-Fan, Darren Styles, Sefa, Sub Zero Project, David Rust, and NRG Trax. But that's not all! Brace yourself for mind-blowing performances by Olly James, Shugz, Billy Gillies, Ciaran McAuley, David Forbes, and Mark Sherry, adding even more power to this hard-hitting event. Tickets & More Info> www.braeheadarena.co.uk Green Gathering 3 – 6 Aug What> If you a festival lover who wants four-days of low impact living in a gorgeous location beside the river Wye on the Welsh border then Green Gathering is right up your alley. Featuring over 100 live acts, including dozens of workshops, and things for little ones to do. Plus, crafts and ethical stalls. Scrumptious vegetarian food, and a menu of locally made beer, cider and mead. The weekends line-up features Indian Man, Salena Godden, Mobius Loop, The Trouble Notes, Pete (THE Temp) Bearder, Ask My Bull, Solar Love Society, The High Breed, Satin Beige, Psycho-Acoustic Goat, Of Ghosts and Other Forms, Benjamin Yellowitz, Moan, Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan, Kangaroo Moon, Hoopy Frood, Komposa, Lé-Lé, Dj Fly Fox, Hannah Scott, Talis Kimberley, Izzie Derry, Tetchi, Inspeckta Veg and More Tickets & More Info> www.greengathering.org.uk Reggae Land 5 – 6 Aug Reggae Land 2023 is set to be bigger and better than ever before as it moves to the legendary “The Milton Keynes National Bowl”. Featuring a heavyweight line-up of artists from across the reggae and dub spectrum, the festival promises to be a true musical extravaganza. Amongst the performers, you'll find red-hot new stars, enduring pioneers, and plenty of legends, all ready to take the stage in a family-friendly and authentic Caribbean wonderland. Featuring a line-up of international and home-grown globetrotting artists including Sean Paul, General Levy, Natty Campbell, Trojan Sound System, Shy FX, Dub Pistols, DJ Killa Kutz, Don Letts, Nicky Blackmarket, MC Magika, Congo Natty, Mungos Hi-fi, Macka B & The Roots Ragga, Top Cat, Blak Prophetz, Freddie McGregor Tickets & More Info> www.reggaeland.co.uk Read the full article

Premier League Club Newcastle Set For £300m Takeover