Newcastle fans laugh in the face of controversy with new ‘Saudi Arabia’ third kit released

Newcastle United fans have taken to laugh in the face of controversy with their brand new ‘Saudi Arabia’ third kit released for 2022/23.

The Magpies have released their third strip for the upcoming season which shares the same colours as Saudi Arabia.

An image of the green and white kit leaked in May and it has now been officially released for fans to purchase ahead of the 2022-23 campaign which is expected to be a much more promising one for the Toon.

👕 #NUFC‘s 2022/23 third kit is now available to order! #BetterNeverStops

⚫️⚪️

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 28, 2022

CLUB STATEMENT:

Newcastle United has launched its official 2022/23 Castore third kit ahead of the new Premier League season.

Closely following the unveiling of its classic black and white home kit for the new campaign, the club has revealed a white and green third kit, designed by the premium British sportswear brand, that will be worn on the road.

The Magpies’ kits are expertly crafted with Castore’s blend of high-stretch fabrics, offering an outstanding fit and freedom of movement for players and supporters alike.

The ‘Pro’ edition, worn by the players, features a range of technological advancements, with exceptional materials and laser-cut ventilation to enhance performance on the pitch.

All adult shirts will feature Newcastle United’s primary sponsor, FUN88, across the chest.

Supporters can order the 2022/23 Newcastle United third kit from 9am at shop.nufc.co.uk and in store.

The kit features a green crest, kit makers’ badge and trim on a white shirt and is very similar to the shirt worn by the Saudi national team.

The Saudi Public Investment Fund own 80 per cent of Newcastle following their takeover in October 2021, but at the time, they told the Premier League there was no connection between the PIF and Saudi state.

Newcastle were languishing in the relegation zone prior to the appointment of Eddie Howe and a £94 million January spend saw them turn around their fortunes to finish 11th.

The Premier League were slammed for allowing Saudi Arabia to take over a club, with many bringing up the record on human rights. Though they insist they had been given “legally binding assurances” that the Saudi state wouldn’t be the ones in control of the club, Amnesty International have repeatedly criticised the decision.

“Ever since this deal was first talked about we said it represented a clear attempt by the Saudi authorities to sportswash their appalling human rights record with the glamour of top-flight football. Saudi ownership of St James’ Park was always as much about image management for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his government, as it was about football,” Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International UK’s CEO, said when the deal was announced.

“Under Mohammed bin Salman, the human rights situation in Saudi Arabia remains dire – with government critics, women’s rights campaigners, Shia activists and human defenders still being harassed and jailed, often after blatantly unfair trials. Instead of allowing those implicated in serious human rights violations to walk into English football simply because they have deep pockets, we’ve urged the Premier League to change their owners’ and directors’ test to address human rights issues.”

“If it is true that Newcastle United is changing its away kit to match Saudi Arabia’s national colours, it exposes the power of the Saudi dollar and the kingdom’s determination to sportswash its brutal, blood-soaked human rights record,” Felix Jakens, Amnesty International UK’s head of campaigns, said.

“Despite all their assurances of a separation between the Saudi owners and the club this seems like clear evidence of the regime using Newcastle to portray a positive image.

“Everyone – from fans to champions – needs to resist being part of Saudi Arabia’s propaganda drive, be aware of what is going on there and speak out about the government’s abuses: the mass executions, [the journalist Jamal] Khashoggi’s murder and dire situation for LGBTI+ people. Sport must not be allowed to be used like this.”

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe says he is “aware of the criticisms” of the club’s proposed third kit for next season.

“I’m aware of the criticisms. I think from my perspective it’s not something I’ve had any control over,” said Howe.

“We were very aware when we went to Saudi Arabia that the interest in Newcastle is huge.

“I know I’m making an assumption here but our kit manufacturers have probably acknowledged that, and hence why we’ve ended up where we are.”

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As mentioned, Newcastle fans laugh in the face of controversy with the new Magpies ‘Saudi Arabia’ third kit is released…

@safc_pat: nice of them to pay homage to their owners that murder innocent people 👏🏼

@JakeRTurnbull: Hahahahaha the salty replies INJECT IN TO MY VEINS! MANDYS MAGS #NUFC

@GeordieMark3: To all the wankers of other clubs, and it is only ever Arsenal, Man U, Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs fans. When you throw shite at us about our owners and the Human rights in Saudi. Just remember you have benefitted more than others from money from Qatar through Bein Sports #nufc

@MorganRees333: Sports washing continues

@ChipperfieldNot: I Fucking Love The Fume Of A Saudi Sponsorship Deal And A 3rd Kit Release Me, Fucking Inject It, Can’t Wait For The Fume When Botman Is Confirmed, Inject It #NUFC

@JordanRobson: Queue the fume… 😂 #NUFC

@EllieCowzer: It’s gonna anger people. But I don’t care its my club! HOWAY THE SAUDI MAGS!! 🟢⚪

@JohnBrewis1: Roll on all the cry babies having a meltdown because of the colours

@LukeMcNally17: Tears incoming

@blacknwhite2011: Gonna be some meltdowns this week, Miguel Delaney will be crying in his cornflakes ⚫️⚪️ #nufc #noon #saudimags

@paarsons: We are taking the piss out of the whole world and I’m all for it hahahahah

@LeeDForster: Brace yourselves for the onslaught 😮 #NUFC ⚫️⚪️⚫️⚪️

@SamBirdyy: Blatant sportswashing but can guarantee I’d buy that if I was a Newcastle fan because that is beaut

@TFMick1892: Prepare for the balloon to go up

@BenToland22: Hahah this is gunna cause so many arguments and it’s gunna be so funny #NUFC

@DaveHarvey17: Bring on the hate! I love it #nufc

@McintyreScottt: I cannot wait to wear this at every away ground possible for the anger it’s gonna cause home supporters, saudi mags on tour

@ShiftytheGeordi: Saudi coloured 3rd kit with “noon” on the sleeve is gonna cause an absolute media shit storm…. I bet “nothing to see here” & “sportswashing” are trending by dinner time, I am absolutely here for it as well #nufc

@AlexMorley1: Tell me you’re owned by a Saudi-based organisation without telling me…..

@Jed_UTD: Sportswashing in plain sight

@Sean_FootyMad: People are gunna be mad 🇸🇦🟢⚪️🟢⚪️

@g_wilko87: The replies to this. Honestly incredible.

@_MattyTurnbull: Pretty much as low as you can go in terms of sportswashing & the NUFC fans are obviously lapping it all up 🥴

@Hayley_Harra: LOVE IT! 😍 But equally, a mothers worst nightmare. Bloody white, man 😩😂😂 #NUFC

Bring on the fewm!! pic.twitter.com/BLGpNwvfNA

— Captain AmeriMag (@CaptainAmeriMag) June 28, 2022

The fume from all other fans that we’re using the Saudi colours pic.twitter.com/6SqqGE2ln5

— Ryan Blythe (@ryanNUFCmad1986) June 28, 2022

and now to watch the fume pic.twitter.com/Ec6dDkUO9P

— Callum Butler (@cal239) June 28, 2022