Newcastle REVERSE decision to ban Arab headdresses as fans dress up again in away match

Newcastle fans dressed up in ‘Arab headdresses’ again today for trip to Crystal Palace as the club reversed its request for Geordies to ditch the ‘tribute’ to the new Saudi ownership.

The Magpies drew 1-1 in an eventful game that saw Christian Benteke denied a late winner by VAR at Selhurst Park. 

In a statement released on Wednesday, Newcastle insisted the club’s new Saudi Arabian owners were not offended by what appears to have been a misguided tribute from fans, but asked them to refrain nevertheless.   

But in a second statement issued today, the club has made a U-turn on their advice to supporters, saying fans who had been wearing ‘appropriate culturally-inspired clothing… should feel free to do so as they see fit’.

Crystal Palace fans made their feelings known with a protest banner criticising Saudi Arabia’s human rights abuses.

It comes after hundreds sported tea towels on their heads during Sunday’s defeat by Tottenham at St James’ Park.

Sportsmail revealed on Tuesday, the FA and Kick It Out were alarmed by the spectacle, with the equality and inclusion group contacting the club to express their concerns.  

The club’s Head of Inclusion was willing to meet supporters’ groups to explain why such dress could be deemed offensive.

‘Newcastle United is kindly asking supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire,’ the club said.  

‘A number of supporters have recently attended St James’ Park wearing associated head coverings and robes, marking the takeover by the Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports and Media.

‘No one among the new ownership group was in any way offended by the attire of the fans who chose to celebrate in this way. It was a gesture that was acknowledged as positive and welcoming in its intent. However, there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others.

‘All visitors to the club are encouraged to wear whatever is the norm for their own culture or religion, continuing to reflect the broad and rich multicultural communities and groups from which the club proudly draws its support.’

Pictures of fans wearing the home-made head-dresses saw Kick It Out urge supporters to ditch the ‘culturally insensitive’ Saudi Arabia ‘fancy dress’ shortly after their 3-2 defeat by Tottenham. 

Kick It Out spent Monday collating reports of anti-discriminatory behaviour from the weekend’s fixtures as they do every Monday, before contacting the club about the issue. 

Sportsmail learned the equality and inclusion group are likely to offer education workshops in Newcastle to fans to explain how wearing tea towels in an attempt to impersonate Arabs could be considered racist, offensive, or culturally insensitive.

The sight of many members of the Toon Army wearing tea towels was particularly jarring as it took place at the Premier League’s No Room for Racism campaign, which will run over the next fortnight with fans being asked to challenge and report any incidents of discrimination. 

A city centre pub also asked Newcastle fans not to dress in Arab-style clothing as they celebrate the club’s takeover.

The Bridge Tavern on Akenside Hill in Newcastle urged supporters to refrain from visiting the venue in attire ‘that might be considered as cultural appropriation.’ 

In a statement issued on its Instagram page, The Bridge Tavern said: ‘Whilst we understand that Newcastle fans are excited about the recent club takeover, we also ask that customers refrain from attending our bar in any attire that might be considered as cultural appropriation.

‘We welcome anyone in our lovely little boozer and would be devastated if anyone felt uncomfortable or disrespected.’