Arguably not the morning Newcastle United’s PR team was hoping for. The Magpies' supposed third strip for the 2022/23 season was leaked on Friday morning, and the shirt, designed by kit suppliers Castore, features the traditional green and white of Saudi Arabia.
The striking resemblance to the Saudi national-team jersey has attracted criticism, particularly off the back of claims that the new owners were using the club as a vehicle for sports-washing. However, other fans have welcomed the new slick appearance, heralding a new era to the club.
Next season will be Castore's second season as Newcastle United's kit supplier. The up-and-coming brand was only founded in 2015 but already supply kits for Glasgow Rangers and Wolves among others, and has quickly branched out into other sports, supplying the England Cricket team, Saracens rugby club and tennis star Andy Murray in what has been an incredible growth.
We want to know how fans feel about this potential move so comment below
However, reaction to the design and Castore's uncomfortable price points suggests large sections of the fan base have been disappointed by the suppliers so far. Their apparent decision, and the subsequent approval by the powers that be, to produce a shirt that will make it look as though players are playing for Saudi Arabia has been met with criticism that will only intensify if and when the shirt is unveiled.
Newcastle's owners have insisted since day one of the takeover that the club is controlled by the Public Investment Fund and not the Saudi state, however should the club adorn Saudi colours it would be an uncomfortable coincidence at best.
Our Newcastle United Editor Aaron Stokes says: "Newcastle United's new owners spent months trying to convince the Premier League there would be a clear separation between the Public Investment Fund and the Saudi state. So what do they do at the first opportunity?
"Dress the team up almost identical to the Saudi national side! It feels like an unnecessary move by the club, and one that will once again shine a spotlight on the controversial nature of the takeover.
"A section of supporters will be left in the uncomfortable position of having to defend it. Newcastle would have sold plenty kits in the middle east this summer regardless of the design or colour, so the argument it will dramatically boost sales doesn't stand up either
"Not that it matters in the grand scheme of things, but the kit doesn't even look appealing. So it's a pretty poor situation all round."
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