Stefan Borson hits back as Newcastle embroiled in political controversy - 'They've got very wealthy owners'
Newcastle MPs have an "obligation" to forge relationships with Newcastle United despite ongoing controversy in the political world.
That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider that the situation surrounding Dame Chi Onwurah is being blown out of proportion.
The Labour MP for Newcastle Central and West has been very outspoken about the Saudi regime over the years, but has now been urged to stop accepting hospitality and gifts from the owners at St James' Park.
In 2018, she described Saudi Arabia a "murderous state," but Onwurah has now been accused of slacking on the criticism since 2024.
According to City AM, the Labour MP has accepted £5,000-worth of freebies from the Magpies, even being invited to the Carabao Cup victory celebrations, where tickets were priced at £850 per person.
Onwurah has defended herself, stating that she has continued to raise concerns over Saudi Arabia's human rights record, and she is now being supported.
Stefan Borson unbothered by Newcastle United controversy
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has clapped back at the criticism, stating that MPs have a duty to make connections with football club owners.
"People are going to point at the Man City situation and what's happened in Manchester. First of all, you can have an ideological difference of opinion as to the involvement of state-related or state-owned clubs," he said.
"That will obviously influence your perspective on any of these situations. Now that Newcastle are owned by PIF, I think for the local MPs, there's a different scenario.
"They've got a very wealthy set of owners, and it's not just PIF, but it's also the Reubens who are property investors and have got ideas and proposals around the stadium in Newcastle.
"We don't have the luxury in Britain of having loads of different possibilities for investment. I think the local MPs have an obligation to be in contact and understand what opportunities they bring to their cities.
"And £5,000, in the grand scheme of things, since 2024 is not a particularly dramatic amount. I don't think it's that big a deal."
What does the future hold for PIF?
PIF have not only done an incredible amount for the Magpies, but during their time at St James' Park, they've done a lot for the community as well.
In the summer, however, concerns were raised over a lack of ambition from the owners, with several high profile players sold and limited replacements signed.
The purchasing of Woolsington Hall Estate has calmed any nerves that they could be seeking an exit, though, with more plans likely to follow.
The new training complex has seen PIF pump another £190million into the club, so it doesn't seem like there will be a passing of the torch anytime soon.