Police are investigating a banner displayed by Crystal Palace followers at Selhurst Park on Saturday that spoke out in opposition to Newcastle United’s takeover by a Saudi Arabia-led consortium. Newcastle have been offered to a bunch consisting of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media earlier this month. The banner at Palace, unveiled through the sides’ 1-1 draw, took purpose at the Premier League’s possession take a look at. “On Saturday 23 October police obtained a report of an offensive banner displayed by Crystal Palace followers,” Croydon Metropolitan Police said on Twitter.
“Officers are assessing the information and carrying out enquiries. Any allegations of racist abuse will be taken very seriously.”
The Newcastle takeover has drawn criticism from human rights teams corresponding to Amnesty International.
Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics stated they have been chargeable for the banner and continued their assault on the Newcastle takeover in a press release on Twitter.
“The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has rightly obtained widespread condemnation and anger,” it said.
“To give the ‘thumbs up’ to this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the women’s game and inclusive initiatives such as rainbow armbands, shows the total hypocrisy at play and demonstrates the League’s soulless agenda where profits trump all.”
The Newcastle takeover was 80% financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, the Premier League obtained “legally binding” assurances that there was clear separation between PIF and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The fans group’s statement said this decision “made a mockery” of the ‘Owners and Directors’ take a look at.
The Premier League was not instantly out there to remark.
Saudi Arabia’s authorities denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it’s defending nationwide safety from extremists and exterior actors.
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