The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that no further action will take place against Crystal Palace fans after a banner that criticised the Premier League and Newcastle United‘s new owners during their recent match.
The banner depicted a cartoon scene consisting of Premier League CEO Richard Masters, a traditional Arab man labelled as ‘PIF’ – the majority stakeholders of Newcastle – with a blood-stained sword, a penguin, a mockery of the Premier League’s fit and proper test, and fans gleefully chanting the new owners.
Palace fans raised the banner before the Premier League fixture kicked off at Selhurst Park.
Metropolitan Police Dismiss Action Against Crystal Palace Fans
What the Met Police Said
On Saturday evening, the Met Police Croydon released a statement that they had received a report of “offensive” conduct due to a Crystal Palace banner. They cited that racist behaviour will not be tolerated.
The police followed on from their enquiries to state that they will not be taking any further action.
A statement read: “On Saturday, a member of the public contacted us to raise concerns about a banner displayed at the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle match at Selhurst Park.
“Following an assessment, officers have concluded that no offences have been committed. No further action will be taken.”
What the Crystal Palace Fans Said
Holmedale Fanatics, a Crystal Palace fan group, took responsibility for the banner.
In a statement on Saturday, they said it was right for the Saudi-led takeover to be hampered by “condemnation” and “anger”.
“It is clear the PIF is a front for the tyrannical ruling Saudi regime and by endorsing this, the Premier League has made a mockery of its own ‘Owners and Directors’ test,” they followed on.
“The Premier League has chosen money over morals and in green lighting, this deal, has done business with one of the world’s most bloody and repressive regimes.”
“A country controlled by fear where women are second class citizens, same-sex partnerships banned journalists silenced, imprisoned or killed and ‘dissidents’ brutally persecuted now has a foothold in our national game.”
The fan group brought attention to the contradictory nature of the Premier League promoting women’s football and campaigning to get wider inclusion of minority groups, such as the LGBT+ community.
“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.
“Newcastle, as a team, is now being used to sports wash the blood from the hands of a corrupt governance and deluded supporters should consider that reality when singing of ‘getting their club back’.
“We are lucky to live in a country where we can display a banner such as this without repercussion.
“Many in Saudi Arabia wish they were afforded those same basic rights.”
Controversial Newcastle Takeover
The Newcastle takeover has been heavily criticised by Amnesty International, Hatice Cengiz – Jamal Khashoggi’s widow – parts of the media and parts of the football community. Their condemnation follows along the lines of the points that Holmedale Fanatics made.
The PIF (Private Investment Fund) is Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund and is chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as including government ministers.
As displayed by the fan banner, Saudi Arabia has been widely criticised for human rights abuses, funding terrorism, leading a horrific war in Yemen, murdering regime-critic Khashoggi and persecuting women and the LGBT+ community.
Much of the anger for the takeover has been directed to the Premier League. They have released one statement on the controversial takeover and have seemingly faded from scrutiny.
In addition, Newcastle fans have been caught in the criticisms. One example shows United With Pride, a Newcastle LGBT+ fan group, supporting the takeover despite the harrowing accounts of persecution to their community in Saudi Arabia.
From a business point of view, Premier League clubs are furious the takeover was allowed to go through, as well as being sidelined during the quick process to get it done. Club executives found out through the media rather than from the Premier League themselves.
An emergency meeting was organised without Newcastle to discuss the issue. It is believed some clubs demanded Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman other than Manchester City due to legal advice as a result of failed communication towards the takeover, and other issues.
Last Monday saw Newcastle managing director Lee Charnley deliver a speech stating the new owners will launch legal action if the other clubs passed to block lucrative sponsorship deals for the next three weeks.
Every Premier League, other than Manchester City due to legal advice, side voted in favour of the temporary measure. The meeting’s tensions represented the stress within the league.
These latest developments will not be the last we hear from the critic of Newcastle’s new owners as fans and executives make their voices heard, albeit for different reasons.
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