Mainz boss defends decision to play friendly after fans’ protests

MAINZ boss Bo Svensson has backed the decision to face Newcastle United in a pre-season friendly – despite objections from supporters.

Eddie Howe’s men face the Bundesliga outfit on July 18 in Austria as part of their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.

The fixture is scheduled three days after the Magpies take on another German side 1860 Munich at the Saalfeldenarena Burgerau.

However, protests from Mainz supporters over Newcastle’s Saudibacked ownership threatened to jeopardise the game.

Critics have voiced their concerns over United’s new regime since the takeover bid was first made public knowledge in April 2020.

The Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund own an 80% controlling stake in the club after Mike Ashley sold up for £300million.

Questions about the human rights record in the Middle Eastern country are frequently levelled, with Howe having to deflect questions after games from the media.

Questions over PIF refuse to go away and the issue has now been raised by foreign opposition ahead of a pre-season warm-up clash.

Svensson, who narrowly missed out on a European spot with Mainz last season, has defended the choice to play Newcastle. The 42-year-old pointed towards PIF’S other investments – which include Disney – as a reason why cancelling the game would be illogical.

He said: “On the one hand, I can understand the argument.

“Whenever it comes to football things become very inflated and become huge issues. How far are we going? Will we also then ban Disney films with our children?”