NEWCASTLE United has been forced to issue guidance to fans after recent scenes following the Saudi takeover of the club.
Club officials have told fans to avoid wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle-East inspired head coverings at matches, if they would not normally wear it.
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It comes after scenes outside St James' Park during the takeover and recent matches saw some fans wearing makeshift head coverings, prompting backlash.
Some fans appeared to mimic outfits seen in the Middle-East using household items and Newcastle United flags and towels.
In a statement, Newcastle United said: "Newcastle United is kindly asking supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire.
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"A number of supporters have recently attended St James’ Park wearing associated head coverings and robes, marking the takeover of the club by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media."
Risk of causing offence
The club went on to say that while they believed the gesture from those who would not normally wear such attire was "positive" in its intent, some may become offended.
They said: "No-one among the new ownership group was in any way offended by the attire of the fans who chose to celebrate in this way. It was a gesture that was acknowledged as positive and welcoming in its intent.
"However, there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others.
"All visitors to the club are, as always, encouraged to wear whatever is the norm for their own culture or religion, continuing to reflect the broad and rich multicultural communities and groups from which the club proudly draws its support."
To find out more about Newcastle United’s own dedicated inclusion brand - click here.
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