Fans must not forget

IN Newcastle City centre yesterday, five minutes from St James’ Park, an Amnesty-organised petition was being offered to the passing fans wearing black and white.

It demanded the release by the Saudi Arabian state of Abdulrahman al-Sadham, the Saudi aid worker jailed for 20 years for using Twitter.

He is one of many languishing in Saudi jails for exercising freedom of expression.

A year on since the Saudi state investment fund the PIF bought Newcastle, the publicity has been all about a club transformed, tens of millions yet to spend, and the rebuilding of a club they want to challenge for the title in 4-9 years, and qualify for Europe this season.

And yes, so far the Saudi-funded reinvigoration of the Toon has indeed built solid foundations and injected Tyneside with renewed passion for their football club.

But the plight of al-Sadham, and other victims of Saudi repression, can’t be forgotten, even though their ownership has been low key in terms of state propaganda.

The only real link to Saudi has been the launch of Newcastle’s third kit which mirrors the national team colours, which caused ripples of controversy.

Eddie Howe (above) limited the amount of state propaganda when he took United to Saudi Arabia earlier this year for training.

It will be interesting to see if there is a more high-profile trumpeting of his squad when they return during the World Cup break in December.

We got the first clue as to the PIF’s motivation for buying United this week when the chairman of the club and investment fund said they wanted to turn a £305m purchase into a £3bn asset.

As the club grows, and it will, Toon fans need to stay mindful of Saudi jailings.