Police take no action after Crystal Palace fans display banner criticising Newcastle's new owners
A consortium consisting of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media completed a £305m takeover of Newcastle earlier this month; the banner at Palace, unveiled during the sides' 1-1 draw, took aim at the Premier League's ownership test
Monday 25 October 2021 16:38, UK
The Metropolitan Police will not be taking any action against Crystal Palace supporters who raised a banner on Saturday criticising Newcastle United's new owners.
A consortium consisting of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media completed a £305m takeover of Newcastle earlier this month.
The banner at Palace, unveiled during the sides' 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, also took aim at the Premier League's ownership test.
"On Saturday, a member of the public contacted us to raise concerns about a banner displayed at the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle match at Selhurst Park," Croydon Metropolitan Police said on Twitter.
"Following an assessment, officers have concluded that no offences have been committed. No further action will be taken."
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Police said on Saturday that officers were assessing the information and carrying out enquiries, and "any allegations of racist abuse will be taken very seriously".
The Newcastle takeover has drawn criticism from human rights groups such as Amnesty International.
Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics said they were responsible for the banner and continued their attack on the Newcastle takeover in a statement on Twitter.
"The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has rightly received widespread condemnation and anger," it said.
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"To give the 'thumbs up' to this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the women's game and inclusive initiatives such as rainbow armbands, shows the total hypocrisy at play and demonstrates the League's soulless agenda where profits trump all."
The Newcastle takeover was 80 per cent financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
However, the Premier League received "legally binding" assurances that there was clear separation between PIF and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The fans group's statement said this decision "made a mockery" of the 'Owners and Directors' test.
The Premier League was not immediately available to comment.
Sky Sports News has also reached out to Newcastle and Crystal Palace for a response.
Saudi Arabia's government denies allegations of human rights abuses and says it is protecting national security from extremists and external actors.
