Newcastle United supporters asked not to wear head coverings by new owners

Newcastle United have asked supporters to "refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches," after sections of the fanbase dressed in such fashion to celebrate the Saudi-backed takeover for the clash with Tottenham Hotspur.

St James' Park was rocking prior to kick off on Sunday afternoon, with fans turning out in their thousands to welcome their new owners, and witness the beginning of a new era on Tyneside.

However, some supporters particularly caught the eye by creating their own homemade traditional Saudi Arabian headgear, as a nod to the heritage of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman and the Saudi owners.

While insisting that the new owners were 'not offended' by the supporters' gestures, the club have pleaded with fans not to dress in head coverings and robes in the future, as it could be viewed as 'culturally inappropriate.'

"Newcastle United is kindly asking supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire," the statement began.

"A number of supporters have recently attended St. James' Park wearing associated head coverings and robes, marking the takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media.

"No-one among the new ownership group was in any way offended by the attire of the fans who chose to celebrate in this way. It was a gesture that was acknowledged as positive and welcoming in its intent.

"However, there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others. All visitors to the club are, as always, encouraged to wear whatever is the norm for their own culture or religion, continuing to reflect the broad and rich multicultural communities and groups from which the club proudly draws its support."

This request comes on the same day that Newcastle announced the departure of under-fire boss Steve Bruce, after it was confirmed that he had left the club by mutual consent following the 3-2 defeat to Tottenham on Sunday.

Supporters were in fine voice when welcoming the new owners and celebrating Callum Wilson's early goal, but the atmosphere soon soured and their attention turned to Bruce, demanding his sacking as the team fell further behind to Spurs.