Newcastle’s statement on discrimination reeks of hypocrisy, says Fair Game

“Newcastle United have a unique opportunity to make a powerful global stand. Al-Rumayyan must grasp it”

Natalie Atkinson, Fair Game

 FAIR GAME today called upon the new owners of Newcastle United to make an unequivocal stand against discrimination everywhere in the world - including Saudi Arabia.

The call comes after Newcastle made a statement condemning reports of a racist incident by one of their fans in Sunday's match against Tottenham.

Fair Game is a group of 31 value-driven football clubs campaigning for better governance of football.

Fair Game's director of engagement Natalie Atkinson said: "Fair Game fully endorses the Newcastle statement condemning all forms of discrimination

"Racism, sexism and homophobia have no place in modern football. And our manifesto calls for clubs to fully embed diversity and inclusion.

"However, Newcastle can and should go even further.

"Their new chairman is hugely linked to the appalling treatment of women and the LGBTQI community in Saudi Arabia.

"It is a brush that is tarnishing the fine reputation of Newcastle fans.

"Fair Game urges Yasir Al-Rumayyan to make a public statement condemning the acts of discrimination in his home country and pledging to reverse the Draconian and prejudicial laws there.

"Newcastle United have a unique opportunity to make a powerful global stand. Fair Game calls on Al-Rumayyan to grasp it.

"Until he does so then the statement announced yesterday will continue to reek of hypocrisy."