It is not fair to criticise the ownership of Newcastle United when Wolves’ owners did not receive the same level of scrutiny.
That is the view of super-agent Jon Smith, who thinks fans and pundits should lay off the Magpies’ Saudi owners.
Taken over by a Saudi-backed consortium nearly 12 months ago, Newcastle United became the world’s richest football club.
Following what was, at the time, a cause for celebration for northeast fans, who had finally bid farewell to unpopular owner Mike Ashley, there have since been waves of criticism for the club’s new Western-Asian owners.
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Criticised for its poor record when it comes to human rights, particularly a lack of equality for things such as women’s and gay rights, Saudi Arabia has become the subject of debate, especially its involvement in European football.
However, Smith, a man who was responsible for the forming of the Premier League 30 years ago, believes it is unfair to take aim at certain owners when others have not received anywhere near the same kind of backlash.
“I do feel there is a little bit of hypocrisy when it comes to Newcastle United’s ownership,” Smith said in an exclusive interview.
“When Wolves came up from the Championship, everyone was applauding them, but they were under Chinese ownership and let’s be fair – China is a persecuting nation and one that isn’t very fond of other demographics, and yet, no one said a word.
“Admittedly, the Saudis do not have the ideal society. In fact, there’s a lot wrong with it, in my opinion, but if you’re going to start banning certain people and worrying about the emotional validity of investment then most of the money in sport is going to have to be reviewed.”
Do you agree with Smith’s assessment? – Let us know in the comments.
The difference is that NUFC are owned by a company funded by the state of Saudi Arabia whereas Wolves are owned by a Chinese owned private company. The two situations are completely different.
You do realise that all Chinese companies in China are controlled by the State?
No they aren’t, Fosun is an international company owning such brands as Thomas Cook, Club Mediterranean and many others. Fosun is often in trouble with the Chinese government as more Capitalist and entrepreneurial in their operation.
People forget that uk has a history of abuse and we just expect other countries to be the same as us . Who says we are always right. The USA executed 87 last year and nothing said
Well said
Wolves owners where investigated so Smith needs to get his facts right. This is just a diversion tactic. Newcastle have got rich owners so what, it’s the FA and uefa that should be investigated.
No they aren’t, Fosun is an international company owning such brands as Thomas Cook, Club Mediterranean and many others. Fosun is often in trouble with the Chinese government as more Capitalist and entrepreneurial in their operation.
“if you’re going to start banning certain people and worrying about the emotional validity of investment then most of the money in sport is going to have to be reviewed” – sounds good to me. Except that I’d replace the word ’emotional’ with ‘moral’ or ‘ethical’ which is more accurate.
I do not have a dog in the fight but come on Wolves owners Fosun are a global organisation that have investments in many country’s. Wolves is a well run club that struggles with FFP rules this will also be Newcastle problem soon. The owner or backers are a controlled state, if Newcastle fans are happy supporting a club that have owner kill Women and Men for speaking out then that’s there choice. But this will comeback to bit them soon. Just look at whats happening to Iran. Saudi will be next for sure.
Your grammar and spelling is awful at best did you not think to take it upon yourself before entering the public domain to ensure your post read correctly? Obviously not
A brief spell check may have prevented you making a fool of yourself I suggest?
Look at the World Cup and Qatar’s human rights record involving immigrant construction workers according to some figures at 200 have died every week since construction of the stadiums started. National teams have said a lot about it but not one boycotting the cup or any player has said they will not be involved.
Look at the World Cup and Qatar’s human rights record involving immigrant construction workers according to some figures at 200 have died every week since construction of the stadiums started. National teams have said a lot about it but not one boycotting the cup or any player has said they will not be involved.