Newcastle United news: Pundit can’t believe ‘harsh’ PiF development – ‘I don’t like it’
Eddie Howe should not have to face questions about alleged Saudi human rights abuses during his Newcastle United press conferences.
That’s according to former Leeds United stopper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider with the Toon boss facing a barrage of fresh questions.
After Newcastle’s 1-0 loss to Chelsea on Sunday (12 March) Howe was asked about recent mass executions in Saudi Arabia.
During his pre-Everton press conference on Wednesday (16 March), Howe again batted away questions on the subject.
He insisted his focus is purely on football and preparing for Thursday’s (17 March) clash against the Toffees.
Kenny claims Howe should not be facing these questions.
“I don’t think people should be asking him those questions,” Kenny told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“I think he’s answered them in the perfect way, fair play to him. He must be annoyed.
“Those things need to be addressed and asked but Eddie Howe is on the other side of football.
“He has to manage the team and, as he said, that’s his focus. He worries about team selection, his player, upcoming matches.
“He can’t be dedicating his time to answering questions about this. It’s harsh to corner him about it in a press conference.
“He’s the only one being asked as well, as far as I’m aware. Are the players being asked?
“It’s just Eddie and I don’t think that’s very fair. I feel it’s wrong to ask him those questions, I don’t like it.
“I don’t know what people want him to say.”
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has owned 80% of Newcastle since October’s takeover.
The club has since visited the country for a training camp.
In other news, we have a significant Callum Wilson update as new comeback date revealed.