When people called the takeover 'sportswashing,' there was an angry backlash from Newcastle fans and a promise to be 'critical friend' of Saudi. Four years on, just after the owner had more people executed than in any other year of his reign, the Supporters Trust is recruiting extras for Saudi Air.

January 15, 2026 - 08:15 UTC

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Disgraceful.
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about the only good thing in this whole sordid affair is that all the Saudi money has been able to buy is a solitary league cup. And the Isak-Liverpool saga reminded them where they still reside in the pecking order
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Appearing in an advert for the Saudi flag carrier, another business in MBS' portfolio, as part of the nation's attempt to make itself a tourist destination isn't, apparently, grotesque complicity with sportswashing - it's a 'unique opportunity' for trust members.

Way to be critical friends, guys.
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Only good thing is the responses to it from other fans are critical.

Although it's a sort of plausible deniability thing. The boxing and other events are obvious in what they are, NUFC is at arm's length and easy to not think about if you're a fan.
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Morals go quickly when money and success beckon…
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What’s fun is those same fans would absolutely not agree to appear in a Sports Direct advert.
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Sold their souls.
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