Saudis pull out of Newcastle takeover

[Monts]

Presumably jumped before pushed, due to the piracy controversy.

[Monts]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53598846

[Eyrie]

Anyone else think that beOutQ was a bigger factor in the delay than human rights?

[jacomo]

Anyone else think that beOutQ was a bigger factor in the delay than human rights?


No question about it.

[Souter96Mac]

Rumours that Ashley was trying to renegotiate for more as well 🤬 raging

[Dibben]

Give it 5 mins and it’ll be reported in JKB that they hate the unfairness of the Scottish game and they’re preparing a bid for the famous!!!

[The 90+2]

Rumours that Ashley was trying to renegotiate for more as well 🤬 raging

There’s the real reason.

[ScottB]

We’ve finally found how you can fail a fit and proper person test; rip off the TV coverage.

[The Tubs]

If I was a Newcastle fan, I’d be delighted. The only thing that I think could poison my relationship with Hibs is something like this.

[The 90+2]

If I was a Newcastle fan, I’d be delighted. The only thing that I think could poison my relationship with Hibs is something like this.

No way. They where about to finally get rid of fat Mike and be owned by the richest people in the world.

Why would they be sitting delighted?

[Yorkshire HFC]

No way. They where about to finally get rid of fat Mike and be owned by the richest people in the world.

Why would they be sitting delighted?

I'd also be delighted if I was a Newcastle fan.

Mike Ashley is a paragon of virtue when compared to the Saudi regime - they will be far better off sticking with him until they can get a someone better. Something different is not always something better.

And mid table in the EPL is a pretty good result for them - in my 50 years of following football there's not been many seasons when they have finished higher than that.

[Crazyhorse]

Anyone else think that beOutQ was a bigger factor in the delay than human rights?

I would say this could be viewed as a victory for Qatar which has pressurised the PL - whose policy seems to have been to refuse to make a decision until the clock ran out in this deal. I guess it also suits clubs (some of whom are also owned by states/gangsters with blood on their hands) to not have yet another potential Man City on the scene.

[MWHIBBIES]

No way. They where about to finally get rid of fat Mike and be owned by the richest people in the world.

Why would they be sitting delighted?

Because they butcher journalists and murder and imprison homosexuals? I would not support a Hibs run by the Saudi government.

[Souter96Mac]

I'd also be delighted if I was a Newcastle fan.

Mike Ashley is a paragon of virtue when compared to the Saudi regime - they will be far better off sticking with him until they can get a someone better. Something different is not always something better.

And mid table in the EPL is a pretty good result for them - in my 50 years of following football there's not been many seasons when they have finished higher than that.

I've got a season at St James', and I understand your point. From an ethical point of view, what Ashley has done to Newcastle and the fans is not comparable in any way to the actions of the Saudi group.

What I fear, and I'm guessing a large proportion of the fanbase does too, is that prospectus owners will be put off doing business with Ashley, and the club will be stuck with him. I'm not saying that Ashley is the sole reason why the deal is dead, by no means, but that will be a concern for prospectus owners.

And if that's the case, I can guarantee Newcastle will not have mid table finishes to enjoy next season or onwards. The man has single handedly killed the club and it's ambition. It's perhaps easy looking in, and saying that being a premiership club in these days should be a worthy feat, but for a club of Newcastle's size and stature to just accept staying up every year just stinks. I don't speak for every newcastle fan, but we're not expecting to win leagues and trophies every season, but even a morsel of ambition to move up the league table would be something.

[supermcginn]

I'd also be delighted if I was a Newcastle fan.

Mike Ashley is a paragon of virtue when compared to the Saudi regime - they will be far better off sticking with him until they can get a someone better. Something different is not always something better.

And mid table in the EPL is a pretty good result for them - in my 50 years of following football there's not been many seasons when they have finished higher than that.
You clearly don't have a clue.

Newcastle had 8 top 7 finishes in their first 13 years in the premier league and two cup final appearances along with many great nights in the champions league, since ashley took over they have been relegated twice due to his absolute shambolic ownership and never went past round 4 of the fa cup until this years surrender to man city in the quarter. His disgusting moulding of st james park into a big sports direct advert just sums him up, the sooner he gets to .... the better.

[supermcginn]

I've got a season at St James', and I understand your point. From an ethical point of view, what Ashley has done to Newcastle and the fans is not comparable in any way to the actions of the Saudi group.

What I fear, and I'm guessing a large proportion of the fanbase does too, is that prospectus owners will be put off doing business with Ashley, and the club will be stuck with him. I'm not saying that Ashley is the sole reason why the deal is dead, by no means, but that will be a concern for prospectus owners.

And if that's the case, I can guarantee Newcastle will not have mid table finishes to enjoy next season or onwards. The man has single handedly killed the club and it's ambition. It's perhaps easy looking in, and saying that being a premiership club in these days should be a worthy feat, but for a club of Newcastle's size and stature to just accept staying up every year just stinks. I don't speak for every newcastle fan, but we're not expecting to win leagues and trophies every season, but even a morsel of ambition to move up the league table would be something.
Brilliant post.

[The 90+2]

I'd also be delighted if I was a Newcastle fan.

Mike Ashley is a paragon of virtue when compared to the Saudi regime - they will be far better off sticking with him until they can get a someone better. Something different is not always something better.

And mid table in the EPL is a pretty good result for them - in my 50 years of following football there's not been many seasons when they have finished higher than that.

Mike Ashley’s killed the ambition of the club. In and around the pubs on match day it’s utter hate for the man.

[The 90+2]

Because they butcher journalists and murder and imprison homosexuals? I would not support a Hibs run by the Saudi government.

That’s a pretty damaging condemnation of a country of
What again?

[FilipinoHibs]

Because they butcher journalists and murder and imprison homosexuals? I would not support a Hibs run by the Saudi government.

And any oppositioninists to while treating women and immigrant workers as second class citizens

[The 90+2]

Brilliant post.

👍

[Renfrew_Hibby]

And any oppositioninists to while treating women and immigrant workers as second class citizens

This is a society that beheads women in the street and crucifies people!

**** that

[easty]

I cannae really be arsed with the Newcastle fans moaning about Mike Ashley. Is it Mike Ashley’s fault that they spent £40m on a striker who cannae score?

There’s almost a kind of entitlement complex with Newcastle fans, like they think they deserve to be up the top of the league...they dinnae. It’s like Hearts fans, they think they’re right up there with the biggest teams in the country...they’re no.

[StevieC]

I've got a season at St James', and I understand your point. From an ethical point of view, what Ashley has done to Newcastle and the fans is not comparable in any way to the actions of the Saudi group.

What I fear, and I'm guessing a large proportion of the fanbase does too, is that prospectus owners will be put off doing business with Ashley, and the club will be stuck with him. I'm not saying that Ashley is the sole reason why the deal is dead, by no means, but that will be a concern for prospectus owners.

And if that's the case, I can guarantee Newcastle will not have mid table finishes to enjoy next season or onwards. The man has single handedly killed the club and it's ambition. It's perhaps easy looking in, and saying that being a premiership club in these days should be a worthy feat, but for a club of Newcastle's size and stature to just accept staying up every year just stinks. I don't speak for every newcastle fan, but we're not expecting to win leagues and trophies every season, but even a morsel of ambition to move up the league table would be something.

I’ve also got a season ticket, and you can speak for me.
We have skirted relegation for the last 3 seasons, and without the skills of Rafa (and the luck of Bruce) we’d be a championship club.

I do have misgivings with rich foreign investors, and their accountability, but the club needs shot of Ashley as a matter of priority.

[StevieC]

You clearly don't have a clue.

Newcastle had 8 top 7 finishes in their first 13 years in the premier league and two cup final appearances along with many great nights in the champions league, since ashley took over they have been relegated twice due to his absolute shambolic ownership and never went past round 4 of the fa cup until this years surrender to man city in the quarter. His disgusting moulding of st james park into a big sports direct advert just sums him up, the sooner he gets to .... the better.

Spot on

I’ve had some amazing trips in Europe with Newcastle. Feyenoord away is up there on my list of best games ever (all behind the Scottish Cup final of course).

[Souter96Mac]

I’ve also got a season ticket, and you can speak for me.
We have skirted relegation for the last 3 seasons, and without the skills of Rafa (and the luck of Bruce) we’d be a championship club.

I do have misgivings with rich foreign investors, and their accountability, but the club needs shot of Ashley as a matter of priority.

Agreed, here's hoping it's sooner rather than later.

[CropleyWasGod]

Amanda Staveley blaming the EPL.

https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/incendiary-new-claims-amanda-staveley-18692262

[Keith_M]

That’s a pretty damaging condemnation of a country of
What again?


I'm a bit confused by your comment.


Are you accusing the poster of Islamophobia?


:dunno:

[The Modfather]

Because they butcher journalists and murder and imprison homosexuals? I would not support a Hibs run by the Saudi government.

I’m not sure it has to be an either or. I’d still support Hibs in that scenario as I’m just a fan at the end of the day with little to no clout in how the club is run of or who owns Hibs, I’d also be against the owners at the same time though.

[Edinburgh Green]

I cannae really be arsed with the Newcastle fans moaning about Mike Ashley. Is it Mike Ashley’s fault that they spent £40m on a striker who cannae score?

There’s almost a kind of entitlement complex with Newcastle fans, like they think they deserve to be up the top of the league...they dinnae. It’s like Hearts fans, they think they’re right up there with the biggest teams in the country...they’re no.

Literally none of that is true, good effort tho.

[The 90+2]

I'm a bit confused by your comment.


Are you accusing the poster of Islamophobia?


:dunno:

You’re trying to put words is my mouth.

Sure there are bad, very bad people in the country. To accuse a whole country or the same isn’t for me though:

[Keith_M]

You’re trying to put words is my mouth.

Sure there are bad, very bad people in the country. To accuse a whole country or the same isn’t for me though:


So what actually was your point then, as I don't get it?


"of a country of... What again"

[Monts]

You’re trying to put words is my mouth.

Sure there are bad, very bad people in the country. To accuse a whole country or the same isn’t for me though:

To be fair, they didn't. The poster said the saudi government, not the whole country.

[The 90+2]

So what actually was your point then, as I don't get it?


"of a country of... What again"

Again. You’re trying to put words in my mouth. Want to stop it?

A country of... how many million? But just list the bad guys? That’s what I meant by it. Not that I need to and I don’t know why I am after being pressured to by you.

[The 90+2]

To be fair, they didn't. The poster said the saudi government, not the whole country.

Yeah I get the government part now tbf, he wasn’t clear to begin with and after the replies to my post neither was I it seems although you kind of got what I meant. Apologies.

[Monts]

Yeah I get the government part now tbf, he wasn’t clear to begin with and after the replies to my post neither was I it seems although you kind of got what I meant. Apologies.

To be fair, I was a bit confused by your first post too. Was only after your reply that I got what you meant.

[Keith_M]

Again. You’re trying to put words in my mouth. Want to stop it?

A country of... how many million? But just list the bad guys? That’s what I meant by it. Not that I need to and I don’t know why I am after being pressured to by you.


Im not doing anything of the kind.

You said you weren't accusing him of Islamophobia (which I accept), so I simply asked you what it was you actually meant, as it wasn't clear.

[.Sean.]

No way. They where about to finally get rid of fat Mike and be owned by the richest people in the world.

Why would they be sitting delighted?
I for one would hate for us to become a plastic franchise, a mere toy for some oil rich madman, basically buying titles and glory and ripping the heart and soul out of a traditionally working class club - case in point Man City - with plastic ‘supporters’ dotted all over the world

Get that so far to ****

[Cardinal G]

I cannae really be arsed with the Newcastle fans moaning about Mike Ashley. Is it Mike Ashley’s fault that they spent £40m on a striker who cannae score?

There’s almost a kind of entitlement complex with Newcastle fans, like they think they deserve to be up the top of the league...they dinnae. It’s like Hearts fans, they think they’re right up there with the biggest teams in the country...they’re no.

You echo my thoughts on them totally. It's laughable the bleating from them about the club being dead to them, Bury fans know the reality of that. They have a sense of entitlement like no other set of fans.

[nonshinyfinish]

You’re trying to put words is my mouth.

Sure there are bad, very bad people in the country. To accuse a whole country or the same isn’t for me though:

The point is that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia is directly involved with the group attempting the Newcastle takeover.

I agree with you that football club owners (or anyone else) shouldn't generally be held accountable for their government's actions, but in this case it literally is the government.

[norhfc]

I for one would hate for us to become a plastic franchise, a mere toy for some oil rich madman, basically buying titles and glory and ripping the heart and soul out of a traditionally working class club - case in point Man City - with plastic ‘supporters’ dotted all over the world

Get that so far to ****

Agree 100%.

[Scott Allan Key]

That’s a pretty damaging condemnation of a country of
What again?The ruling family of the House of Saud has as the main antagonist, so-called Crown Prince Bin Salman. He is the head of the state investment fund that wanted to buy majority ownership in Newcastle. He also gave the order (amongst many) to kill enemies of the state such as Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist, who was butchered in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul.

The ideological creed, Wahabism, that props up their regime is, yes, only supported by a minority of their citizens, but it's still about 40 per cent. It does mean their own people are oppressed, women, Shi'a, Christians and other minorities.

The fact that the owner of Newcastle was going to be a murderer was saying a lot about our society too, when broadcasting rights of the EPL, likely held more sway than human ones.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

[Scott Allan Key]

I'm a bit confused by your comment.


Are you accusing the poster of Islamophobia?


:dunno:Their are a significant number of scholars across the board in Islam who do not accept the Wahabism of Bin Salman and his family as Muslim. Otherwise, I'm Islamophobic too, because I hate their version of Islam.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

[easty]

Literally none of that is true, good effort tho.

If you say so. I don't care if you think it's true or not :aok:

In my opinion - Newcastle are a mid table side, at best. No really good players really want to go up and play in Newcastle unless they're having silly money thrown at them to do it. And why would they? Newcastle aren't a Man Utd or Liverpool or Arsenal, yeah they had a bit of success in the 90's when they were chucking more money about than other teams, but they stopped doing that and found their level. Unless they find someone else to buy the club who's willing to throw money at them like Chelsea and Man City have had, then they'll remain a mid table club generally.

Aye their fans are passionate, but so what? So are Evertons. So are Villas. So are West Hams.

[Crazyhorse]

The ruling family of the House of Saud has as the main antagonist, so-called Crown Prince Bin Salman. He is the head of the state investment fund that wanted to buy majority ownership in Newcastle. He also gave the order (amongst many) to kill enemies of the state such as Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist, who was butchered in the Saudi embassy in Istanbul.

The ideological creed, Wahabism, that props up their regime is, yes, only supported by a minority of their citizens, but it's still about 40 per cent. It does mean their own people are oppressed, women, Shi'a, Christians and other minorities.

The fact that the owner of Newcastle was going to be a murderer was saying a lot about our society too, when broadcasting rights of the EPL, likely held more sway than human ones.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk

Yes it’s a disgusting poisonous religious ideology and it’s spread with the backing of Saudi petrodollars has caused enormous misery.
However the EPL is awash with Chinese, Russian, Emirati and Qatari money and drawing a distinction between the club ‘owners’ and the respective ruling thugs in these states is impossible. Putin had the last say on the Chelsea deal (as he does on everything in Russia), the rulers of Dubai on the Man City deal, Chinese gov the same etc. etc.

[Keith_M]

Their are a significant number of scholars across the board in Islam who do not accept the Wahabism of Bin Salman and his family as Muslim. Otherwise, I'm Islamophobic too, because I hate their version of Islam.

Sent from my LYA-L09 using Tapatalk


I think ALL organised religions are a load of b*ll*cks, so that probably makes me even worse.

:wink:

[supermcginn]

If you say so. I don't care if you think it's true or not :aok:

In my opinion - Newcastle are a mid table side, at best. No really good players really want to go up and play in Newcastle unless they're having silly money thrown at them to do it. And why would they? Newcastle aren't a Man Utd or Liverpool or Arsenal, yeah they had a bit of success in the 90's when they were chucking more money about than other teams, but they stopped doing that and found their level. Unless they find someone else to buy the club who's willing to throw money at them like Chelsea and Man City have had, then they'll remain a mid table club generally.

Aye their fans are passionate, but so what? So are Evertons. So are Villas. So are West Hams.
Chucking money about? I think you need to look up and see what keegan spent on a team that came so close to winning the league in 95. Do some research before spouting garbage.

[supermcginn]

I for one would hate for us to become a plastic franchise, a mere toy for some oil rich madman, basically buying titles and glory and ripping the heart and soul out of a traditionally working class club - case in point Man City - with plastic ‘supporters’ dotted all over the world

Get that so far to ****
The soul has been ripped out by ashley, its just being used as a sports direct advertising vehicle and there's no ambition shown or connection with the fans whatsoever.

[easty]

Chucking money about? I think you need to look up and see what keegan spent on a team that came so close to winning the league in 95. Do some research before spouting garbage.

OK, so I've done some research, and I stand by what I said.

https://www.football365.com/news/the-biggest-spender-in-every-pl-season-and-how-they-fared-2

Biggest Spenders in the EPL per year -

95/96 - Newcastle...finished 2nd
96/97 - Newcastle...finished 2nd
97/98 - Newcastle - finished 13th

So, that'll be me proved right then?

[Keith_M]

Given the money being ploughed in to the biggest clubs in England, in an attempt to either win the league or qualify for the 'Champions League', it's amazing to think that Blackburn achieved something similar using Jack Walker's investment in the 90s.

In comparison to the people that have invested in Manchester City, Chelsea and others, Walker would be a pauper.

[StevieC]

Biggest Spenders in the EPL per year -

95/96 - Newcastle...finished 2nd
96/97 - Newcastle...finished 2nd
97/98 - Newcastle - finished 13th

So, that'll be me proved right then?

Fair play digging out the info .. but doesn’t give the full picture.

95/96 was money spent from the sale of Andy Cole £6.5m to Man Utd, and was spent on Ferdinand and Ginola. Asprilla is what skewed it (although that wasn’t until late February) and was only possible after the sale of Ruel Fox to Spurs provided the majority of the funds.

96/97 simple answer .. Alan Shearer. Had to break transfer records in order to bring him “home”. Keegan’s only signing that season.

97/98 Not Keegan’s era, so not sure you can use it in response to post about Keegan signings .. but ..
Tomasson £2.5m and Pistone £4.5m the big close season signings, only possible after the sale of Ferdinand £6m. Gary Speed £5.5m wasn’t signed until February, and only possible after the January sale of Asprilla for £6m.

So some expensive signings, which I agree made Newcastle biggest spenders, but only possible due to some expensive transfers in the opposite direction.

[The 90+2]

Im not doing anything of the kind.

You said you weren't accusing him of Islamophobia (which I accept), so I simply asked you what it was you actually meant, as it wasn't clear.

Sound mate 👍

[The 90+2]

I for one would hate for us to become a plastic franchise, a mere toy for some oil rich madman, basically buying titles and glory and ripping the heart and soul out of a traditionally working class club - case in point Man City - with plastic ‘supporters’ dotted all over the world

Get that so far to ****

As would I. It’s all about keeping up with the rest though. We don’t need that **** to be the third best club in Scotland.

[Yorkshire HFC]

Spot on

I’ve had some amazing trips in Europe with Newcastle. Feyenoord away is up there on my list of best games ever (all behind the Scottish Cup final of course).

In my 50 years of watching football they've spent 11 years outside the top league and haven't won anything.

I know fans have a different take, but I don't understand the hate for Ashley - he seems to me to have provided managers with boat loads of cash - they just haven't spent it very well. From afar, it seems strange - but I must be missing something because, as you say, it seems like all the fans want rid of him. I think you need to be local to understand the ups and downs of it all.

But do Newcastle fans not sometimes look at local rivals like Sunderland and Middlesborough and think they're not doing too badly?

[StevieC]

In my 50 years of watching football they've spent 11 years outside the top league and haven't won anything.


Certainly can’t call us glory hunters ..

...unless you count the Intertoto plaque? :wink:


he seems to me to have provided managers with boat loads of cash - they just haven't spent it very well. From afar, it seems strange - but I must be missing something

Missing lots, but as you say easy to miss from afar.
If you take the last 5 seasons transfer dealings you will see that very little has been spent in terms of income (league money, transfer money and 50k fans each home game).
The last half a dozen transfer windows have usually involved “takeover speculation” which has been a convenient way of Ashley avoiding expensive transfers. Joelinton has probably been the exception to the rule.
You are correct though, we’ve spent some ridiculous amounts on big name flops. It was Ashley that put a stop to that and introduced a wage structure that probably prevents our ability to ever buy big again.

Transfer spends aside, there has been the manager/boardroom issues with people like Dennis Wise, Kinnear, etc. coming in and showing complete disrespect to the supporters.

About the only thing I could give Ashley credit for is his ticket pricing. My season ticket works out at around £435, which is only fractionally more expensive than my Hibs one.


But do Newcastle fans not sometimes look at local rivals like Sunderland and Middlesborough and think they're not doing too badly?

Not really. Sunderland might be in serious trouble just now but prior to them dropping out the Premiership they had the upper hand in the derbies. Prior to Ashley coming in we definitely had the upper hand when it came to derbies.

In my 40 odd years of supporting Newcastle I’ve never really expected to win anything. The closest I came to thinking that was the UEFA Cup in 2003/4 when I thought we were in with a real chance. Unfortunately Marseille and Drogba put paid to that in the away leg of the semi-final.

[hibsbollah]

Really good podcast on the subject https://open.spotify.com/episode/1DeqghEwr28pimvFboSBxj?si=VtH4fhMiRru7oROtMSny-Q

[jacomo]

In my 50 years of watching football they've spent 11 years outside the top league and haven't won anything.

I know fans have a different take, but I don't understand the hate for Ashley - he seems to me to have provided managers with boat loads of cash - they just haven't spent it very well. From afar, it seems strange - but I must be missing something because, as you say, it seems like all the fans want rid of him. I think you need to be local to understand the ups and downs of it all.

But do Newcastle fans not sometimes look at local rivals like Sunderland and Middlesborough and think they're not doing too badly?


Newcastle were possibly weeks away from going to the wall when Ashley came in. Freddy Shepherd had bought into the kind of finance model that sent Leeds and Bolton into jeopardy.

I know the fans hate him, largely because of some crass decisions and bizarre behaviour, but it’s not been all bad. I think sacking Keegan and employing his cockney advisors was the turning point.

[jgl07]

Yes it’s a disgusting poisonous religious ideology and it’s spread with the backing of Saudi petrodollars has caused enormous misery.
However the EPL is awash with Chinese, Russian, Emirati and Qatari money and drawing a distinction between the club ‘owners’ and the respective ruling thugs in these states is impossible. Putin had the last say on the Chelsea deal (as he does on everything in Russia), the rulers of Dubai on the Man City deal, Chinese gov the same etc. etc.

If you are going to spout bollox with conspiracy theories, please try and get your facts (almost) right. Also try and get your grammar right. Their should be no apostrophy in "its spread".

Dubai have bugger all to do with Manchester City and never had.

Scotland are hardly in a position to pontificate about poisonous religious ideology as no country in the world has been more afflicted with religious bigotry in football.

[lyonhibs]

If you are going to spout bollox with conspiracy theories, please try and get your facts (almost) right. Also try and get your grammar right. Their should be no apostrophy in "its spread".

Dubai have bugger all to do with Manchester City and never had.

Scotland are hardly in a position to pontificate about poisonous religious ideology as no country in the world has been more afflicted with religious bigotry in football.

Whilst you'll want to brush up on the spelling of "apostrophe"..... :faf::faf::faf:

[oneone73]

Whilst you'll want to brush up on the spelling of "apostrophe"..... :faf::faf::faf:

And the difference between their and there.

[CropleyWasGod]

And the difference between their and there.

Can I throw in the spelling of "bollocks"? 😆

[Pretty Boy]

Do any of these owners make any money from owning a football club?

Buying an EPL team always seems like a needlessly expensive route to success. You are talking hundreds of millions to break into that elite group that qualifies for the Champions League regularly. If it's just a bit of vanity and 'look how great I am' then a Scottish club would seem a far less expensive way to get into the same competition. £30-40M all in over a couple of years would probably be enough to give Celtic a run for the money.

I suppose Scotland isn't glamorous enough for sportswashing purposes though. That's reserved for the likes of F1, horse racing, the EPL and now the Saudis have got in on the act hosting boxing and the Dakar Rally in recent years.

[StevieC]

Do any of these owners make any money from owning a football club?.

Mike Ashley does.