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Newcastle criticism is mounting as clubs block sponsorship deals | Rob Harris

Associated Press journalist Rob Harris joined The Football Show on Tuesday to discuss the Saudi A...



Newcastle criticism is mountin...
Soccer

Newcastle criticism is mounting as clubs block sponsorship deals | Rob Harris

Associated Press journalist Rob Harris joined The Football Show on Tuesday to discuss the Saudi Arabian-led takeover of Newcastle.

On Tuesday, the Premier League voted to block lucrative sponsorship deals.

The move came in response to Newcastle's takeover by the Saud Arabian Public Investment Fund.

18 teams voted to pass the motion, while Manchester City abstained. Newcastle were the only team to vote against the ban. They made it clear in the emergency meeting that they viewed this move as going against the nature of competition.

Although a relatively minor detail, this is the first moment of backlash from the Premier League clubs to the controversial takeover.

Rob Harris spoke about the criticism of Newcastle's takeover and how it appears to be growing.

"The criticism is growing, particularly from Newcastle's rivals," said Harris.

"We’ve got questions coming from other Premier League clubs about why this takeover was approved. Why did they need those legally binding guarantees to claim as a separation from between the state and the club.

"Now the latest move is to try and effectively stop Newcastle striking sponsorship deals with other Saudi related companies."

That is the purpose of this ban. It's not a coincidence that this meeting was suddenly called. Newcastle's new owners can claim they are being targeted, but since they are now part of the 20-team group that make up the Premier League, they have limited control.

Bruce Manchester City abstaining from the vote is not surprising. Harris explained that they have already taken advantage of their connections in Abu Dhabi.

"Manchester City took legal advice going into the meeting. They have amassed a lot of Abu Dhabi-linked sponsorship deals.

"The Etihad being on the shirts and on the name of the stadium. They say they were done for fair value."

While Manchester City are hoping to slide under the radar right now, this ban is only temporary and both they and Newcastle could resume prior practices in time.

"We saw the 18 clubs back a proposal which is now temporary for a few weeks. That will stop related-party transactions."

One of the clubs who have been vocal in their opposition to the takeover is Liverpool. Manager Jurgen Klopp has spoken out against the takeover.

"One person who has spoken out publicly is Jurgen Klopp from his perspective as a club manager.

"Liverpool have certainly got objections about Richard Masters not being very vocal in terms of explaining their position. It also creates a new rival in terms of signing players."

The takeover has come under severe criticism over the past number of days.

Newcastle fans have also come under criticism this week for their acts of celebration during Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur. Kick It Out is planning urgent talks with the Premier League over fans who were seen wearing mock headdresses.

 

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Jurgen Klopp Liverpool Newcastle Premier League Richard Masters Rob Harris