Kieran Maguire questions ‘bizarre’ Newcastle United-Saudi development – ‘it does seem strange’
It is ‘bizarre’ that Newcastle United will allow St James’ Park to host upcoming Saudi Arabia international matches.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who spoke exclusively to Football Insider about Newcastle’s controversial links to the Middle Eastern nation.
As reported by ESPN, Newcastle are set to host two Saudi Arabia international matches at St James’ Park in the upcoming September international break.
The Saudi national team will first face Costa Rica on September 8 before lining up against South Korea on September 12.
Newcastle were taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021, but the Tyneside club insists their ownership group is wholly independent from the country’s government.
However, Maguire believes the introduction of Saudi Arabian international matches will only fuel the fire of those who have scrutinised Newcastle’s links to the Saudi government.
“It does seem strange that those fixtures are taking place,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“Having Saudi Arabia playing home games in Newcastle is bizarre.
“Those that are critical of the takeover and those who were effectively saying that there was no difference between the Saudi government and the PIF will add this to their claims.
“Meanwhile, Newcastle will see it as a great opportunity to sell tickets.
“I suspect there will be a good attendance at St James’ Park given the enthusiastic reactions from Newcastle fans to all things Saudi at present.“
In other news, Kieran Maguire: Newcastle United face ‘huge issue’ after Saudi Arabia twist