![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/newcastle-slammed-by-former-premier-league-rival-for-losing-its-soul-with-saudi-stance/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0_Newcastle-United-v-Tottenham-Hotspur-Premier-League.jpg&description=In an explosive critique of modern day ownership and oil rich states buying into football, Sunderland's former chairman says Newcastle's risks becoming 'tarnished' for generations Former Sunderland owner Sir Bob Murray fears Newcastle United has 'lost its soul' after selling out to Saudi Arabia. In an explosive critique of modern day ownership and oil rich states buying into football, the businessman says Newcastle 's risks becoming 'tarnished' for generations by being a vehicle for Saudi self promotion. And he fears some fans turn a blind eye to money-rich 'repressive regimes' in the clamour for new signings and trophies. Saudi Arabia has been criticised by the likes of Amnesty International for human right abuses and the jailing of critics - as investment into sports including football deflects attention and wins over fans. Murray says there are 'moral issues' at stake adding it 'took a war for us to question Chelsea winning 20 trophies with Russian money.' He added: 'It is not just about Newcastle and sports washing. The Premier League needs to be stronger on ownership issues." He says the Glazers at Manchester United have overseen a 'leveraged buy-out' and that has led to a 'series of disasters stemming from bad leadership.' Murray added: 'Kids are running around in Newcastle's Saudi away strip – the colours of a state that routinely violates human rights. Last week the Stadium of Light hosted the Lionesses and we sold out. Up the road at another club, we've just had Saudi Arabia playing South Korea and Costa Rica. I know which stadium I would rather be at. 'I can't see the ownership of Newcastle changing for 1,000 years. Football should not be used to boost a country's position. There is a possibility of harm. It won't stop here. I don't think it should have been allowed to happen – for the supporters or the city – yet it was waived through.' Sir Bob built Sunderland into a modern club, including two seventh placed finishes in the Premier League. The local busi){kind=link}
In an explosive critique of modern day ownership and oil rich states buying into football, Sunderland’s former chairman says Newcastle’s risks becoming “tarnished” for generations
Former Sunderland owner Sir Bob Murray fears Newcastle United has “lost its soul” after selling out to Saudi Arabia.
In an explosive critique of modern day ownership and oil rich states buying into football, the businessman says Newcastle ‘s risks becoming “tarnished” for generations by being a vehicle for Saudi self promotion. And he fears some fans turn a blind eye to money-rich “repressive regimes” in the clamour for new signings and trophies.
Saudi Arabia has been criticised by the likes of Amnesty International for human right abuses and the jailing of critics – as investment into sports including football deflects attention and wins over fans. Murray says there are “moral issues” at stake adding it “took a war for us to question Chelsea winning 20 trophies with Russian money.”
He added: “It is not just about Newcastle and sports washing. The Premier League needs to be stronger on ownership issues.” He says the Glazers at Manchester United have overseen a “leveraged buy-out” and that has led to a “series of disasters stemming from bad leadership.”