“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.”
― Aldous Huxley
FIRST things first. Newcastle United’s loyal legions of supporters should not be expected to be the sole conscience when marshalling opposition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Of course, unthinking support and ignorance is never the answer, and those fans blindly embracing such a murderous regime are embarrassing as they are ignorant, no matter how alienated they felt under previous owner Mike Ashley.
But why should fans be the first point of call when resistance is required — and the first to be denigrated by mealy mouthed politicians if such actions are not forthcoming — when battling murderous and oppressive rulers who have an appalling record on human rights, including the subjugation of women and the dreadful treatment of the LGBTQ+ community?
Premier League champions Arsenal will finally lift the coveted trophy this weekend after 22 long years. LAYTH YOUSIF pays tribute to and remembers those who are not here to see it
As Saudi Arabia is hailed abroad for its ‘reforms,’ the reality for women inside the kingdom grows ever more repressive. On the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, MARYAM ALDOSSARI argues it is time to stop applauding the illusion – and start listening to the women the state works hardest to silence
ROGER MCKENZIE argues that it was correct to ban the notorious Israeli side who were likely to cause trouble in Muslim areas of Birmingham, but asks, given the occupation and slaughter in Palestine, why any Israeli team is being hosted anywhere
Fan group The 1873 issues scathing response to owners’ statement saying the club will not close


