Newcastle to host two Saudi football friendlies in September

Saudi Arabia's national football team will play two international friendlies at St James' Park next month, Newcastle United announced on Wednesday.

The Green Falcons will play Costa Rica on 8 September and South Korea on 12 September in the North East in the run-up to the 2024 AFC Asian Cup.

The move marks a closer public association between the city and Saudi Arabia, whose Public Investment Fund (PIF) secured an 80 percent stake in Newcastle United in October 2021.

A multi-year shirt sponsorship deal was also struck in June with Saudi company Sela, which is also linked to the PIF.

Rights groups have accused Saudi Arabia of "sportswashing" - an alleged attempt by Riyadh to use sports to deflect attention from its poor human rights record.

Newcastle and the English Premier League have insisted that the club’s ownership is separate from the Saudi state, despite the PIF being chaired by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Amnesty International’s chief executive Sacha Deshmukh slammed the decision to hold Saudi Arabia’s games at the Magpies' home ground, saying this is an example of "how sportswashing works".

He urged Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and co-owner Amanda Staveley to "break their collective silence" on Saudi Arabia's human rights issues.

Fans have reacted to the move on social media with ridicule and dismay.

"Newcastle’s 'we are not owned by Saudi Arabia' shirt is posing a lot of questions already answered by their shirt," said one Twitter user.

"At least try and hide it a little bit lads," said another.

The Saudi team might don their away kit, which football fans have pointed out bears a remarkable likeness to the recently adopted Newcastle United third jersey. Others have also compared Newcastle's away jersey to the Green Falcons' home kit.