SOUL TRADERS

Ex-Black Cats owner blasts Newcastle's Saudi sell out

- SIMON BIRD

FORMER Sunderland owner Sir Bob Murray fears Newcastle United has “lost its soul” after selling out to Saudi Arabia. 

In an explosive critique of modernday ownership and oil-rich states buying into football, the businessman says Newcastle risks becoming “tarnished” for generations by being a vehicle for Saudi self-promotion.

And he fears some fans turn a blind eye to wealthy “repressive regimes” in the clamour for new signings and trophies.

Saudi Arabia has been criticised by Amnesty International for human right abuses and its treatment of critics as investment into sports deflects attention and wins over fans.

Murray says there are “moral issues” at stake and said: “It is not just about Newcastle and sportswashing. The Premier League needs to be stronger on ownership issues.