Kick It Out want urgent talks with Newcastle over fans’ mock headdresses

Kick It Out is willing to hold educational workshops on why the gesture could be viewed as culturally offensive

Football equality and inclusion group Kick It Out is seeking imminent talks with Newcastle United to urge the club to ask supporters to refrain from wearing mock headdresses. Several Newcastle fans were seen wearing tea towels and other coverings around their heads in and around St James' Park on Sunday, as the club played its first game since the Saudi-backed takeover was approved by the Premier League. Though intended as a show of support for the club's new owners, Sky Sports report that Kick It Out is keen to hold discussions with the club and provide educational workshops on why the actions could be viewed as stereotypical and culturally offensive. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) took charge of Newcastle earlier this month, ending Mike Ashley's 14-year stint as the club's owner. PIF governor and newly appointed vice-chairman of Newcastle, Yassir Al-Rumayyan, attended Sunday's game - a 3-2 defeat by Tottenham - alongside Amanda Staveley, who was instrumental in brokering the deal which saw the club change hands. On Monday, 18 Premier League clubs voted against Newcastle's new Saudi owners being able to secure lucrative sponsorship deals during an emergency meeting. Manchester City were the only other top flight club not to vote in favour of the new rule, choosing to abstain. Related links:

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• Newcastle sponsorship deals to be blocked after Premier League clubs hold emergency meeting vote
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