Many Newcastle United fans have been talking about the latest update involving BeIN Sports that recently emerged on social media.
NUFC 360 recently shared a tweet that was originally posted by Saudi Sky Sport. The update confirmed that BeIN Sports has now been cancelled in Saudi Arabia and they have been fined 10 million royals (£2.1 million).
The tweet from NUFC 360 though, said that this development could date back to a dispute that came up in 2016 and there is uncertainty about whether it is relevant to the Toon’s Saudi-backed takeover bid.
Some weeks ago, the World Trade Organisation ruled that Saudi Arabia is behind BeoutQ, a pirate satellite TV and streaming service that offers illegal access to sporting events. Doha-based BeIN Sports had asked the Premier League to block the Saudi takeover due to piracy concerns.
Do you think this update impacts the takeover?
Yes, it does
No, it is unrelated
With this background in mind, many Newcastle fans flocked to the NUFC 360 tweet. Many of them sounded pessimistic about the takeover happening because of this latest development.
It looks like bad news. beIN Sports now may try even harder to block the deal after this.
— Lucas B. (@lulucasbarboza) July 14, 2020
Big news this surely
— Goelinton (@Goelinton) July 14, 2020
Sounds like toys out of the pram by KSA, struggling to see the positive from this latest move.
— Jay_NUFC (@NufcBig) July 14, 2020
Doubt this is positive
— SouthernMagpie (@magpie_southern) July 14, 2020
These fans seem negative about the update and think that it could harm the takeover of the Magpies from happening. One fan feels that this update is a reflection of how BeIN Sports are trying their best to block the takeover at St. James’ Park.
Many other Newcastle fans though, were confused about what exactly this update meant in the context of the potential takeover.
What does this mean for the takeover? is it good or bad? someone explain please
— Saudi’s tricky mags (@SheikhKhaledd) July 14, 2020
I very much doubt it’s got nothing to do with #NUFCTakeover considering the timing
— SHADES OF 96 (@ShadesOf96) July 14, 2020
A reaction to the takeover being blocked perhaps ?
— NufcFan (@NufcFan20) July 14, 2020
There seems to be no clarity about what this update involving BeIN Sports means for the takeover and judging by the reaction of some fans, they aren’t really sure either. Toon fans can only hope that this has no negative bearing on the Magpies and the ongoing Saudi-backed takeover attempt of the club that, if approved, would see them have the wealthiest owners in the Premier League.