Many Newcastle United fans have been responding to a tweet from @NUFC360 which quotes BeIN Media Group’s director of corporate affairs, David Sugden.
Earlier this week, the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO) report drew a link between “individuals or entities” within the jurisdiction of Saudi Arabia and BeoutQ, the pirate TV station which has been illegally broadcasting Premier League football.
In response to the report, Sugden was quoted in the Financial Times (via Chronicle Live): “‘The next cycle of rights we will not bid anything near what we currently [pay],’ adding that if Saudi Arabia secured a place at English football’s top table, that would be like ‘letting the fox into the henhouse’.”
Here is how a sample of the St. James’ Park faithful have responded on Twitter:
To say that shows exactly what this whole circus has been about ! Qatar’s hatred of Saudi ! The @premierleague should feel embarrassed and ashamed that they have allowed themselves to be dragged down by this ! Qatar has had everyone jumping through hoops
— Paul Davison (@PaulDav86486288) June 16, 2020
I am no lawyer but if PL blocked #nufc takeover Then PIF can use this as a good piece of their case against Pl saying they did so under incessant pressure (blackmail) by Bein.
— bobby martins (@BobbyGoa) June 16, 2020
Scenes when Richard keys is out of a job?
— Jordan (@GeordieJordan96) June 16, 2020
Do you think beIN Sports are trying to blackmail the Premier League?
Yes
No
It’s clear from the above responses that these Newcastle fans believe their club has been caught in the crossfire of the tensions in the region. One fan took the opportunity to poke fun at BeIN Sports presenter Richard Keys, who currently presents their Premier League coverage, suggesting he could end up losing his job depending on how this scenario plays out.
As attempted blackmail goes, this is a terrible effort.
“If you don’t do what we say, next time the rights are available we’ll let someone else have them without even challenging them”. Pretty poor business acumen if you go into an auction and bid what you paid before.
— Rich Harle (@RJHarle) June 16, 2020
Sounds like blackmail to me
— Jamie (@Jamiecockerton) June 16, 2020
This speaks volumes @lee5775
— LC (@MisterLeem) June 16, 2020
That reads like they know the outcome.
— Paul Johnson (@johnsonP1977) June 16, 2020
Toys coming out the pram now
— AndyT (@AndyT09697678) June 16, 2020
Sugden has been accused by some of these supporters as trying to ‘blackmail’ the Premier League into rejecting the Saudi-backed consortium’s proposal to take over Newcastle United. There has still been no official communication from those conducting the checks or the club themselves as the wait continues.