Newcastle fans warned by ex-rival that Saudi owners could rip soul out of club, and still be there in a THOUSAND years
NEWCASTLE fans have been warned their Saudi owners could rip the “soul” out of Toon once the “honeymoon” is over.
Former Sunderland owner Sir Bob Murray says the new regime could turn out to be even worse than hated predecessor Mike Ashley.
Ashley once led a CONGA through the Toon boardroom after a derby victory.
But Sir Bob said: “Mike Ashley can only live so long — the Saudis aren’t going anywhere.
“Newcastle might never have another owner in the next 1,000 years. Why would they get bored?
“Fans are still on honeymoon and the Saudis are capable of doing harm.
“Most of my best friends are Newcastle United fans. I’m not being tribalistic, I’m just genuinely concerned where it might end up.
“It’s not going to be pretty.”
Sir Bob, 77, added: “I’m worried about the changing fabric of football — shouldn’t we be using our beloved game to put the reputations of these countries in order.
“We had the honour last Friday at the Stadium of Light of hosting, in front of a full crowd, the Lionesses.
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“Up the road Saudi Arabia played friendlies against Costa Rica and South Korea at St James’ Park.
“Who knows where it’s going to end? Probably with more clubs losing their soul, like people tell me they fear is happening at Newcastle.”
Sir Bob became Sunderland chairman in 1986 and was responsible for moving the Black Cats from Roker Park to the Stadium of Light.
They finished seventh in the Prem two years on the bounce before the wheels fell off and the Mackems ended up in League One.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus has the Championship Wearsiders back on track at long last, but Murray is deeply concerned about the owners involved in today’s game.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund bought an 80 per cent controlling stake of Newcastle just under two years ago, with the Gulf state accused of multiple human rights atrocities.
Sir Bob, whose autobiography is out next month, set up the charitable Foundation of Light in 2001, which does wonders to tackle the “biggest societal challenges” across the North East.
And he added: “Sportswashing is a huge concern.
“It started with Roman Abramovich buying 20 trophies at Chelsea.
“Then, there were the World Cups in Russia and Qatar.
“And, now, there is an increasing trend of mainly Arab states trying to improve their tarnished reputations through sport.
“Saudi Arabia now buying up talent in football is just the next stage.
“It goes back to the old chestnut of fans not being able to influence the thing he or she loves.
“In fact, it’s even worse — supporters are now turning their heads and not looking where the cash is coming from as long as they are winning trophies or qualifying for Europe. That’s the ultimate triumph of sportswashing.”
And what of that incident with Ashley after a Toon win over Sunderland at St James’ Park?
Sir Bob, who was no longer chairman, recalled: “Mike came into the boardroom with his black and white shirt on with a group of friends, jumping up and down going ‘E-I-E-I-E-I-O’.
“He then led a conga line around the table that we were sitting on.
“It was the worst defeat I’ve ever felt as a supporter, and then he did that.
“Sir Bobby Robson was also there as a guest. He came up to me and said, ‘I’ve got to apologise, that’s the worst behaviour I’ve ever seen in a boardroom’.”