25 October 2021
Police state no further action will be taken after a banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans targeted the Saudi Arabian-led takeover of Newcastle United.
The banner took goal at the Premier League's ownership test, following Newcastle's current ₤ 305m sale.
It was shown throughout Palace's 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday.
"Following an assessment, officers have actually concluded that no offences have actually been dedicated," said Croydon cops, external.
"No additional action will be taken."
The banner included illustrations of a man worn standard Arabic clothes along with what seemed Premier League chief executive Richard Masters.
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The banner had a list with alleged offenses by the Saudi Arabia program.
Listed on an image of a clipboard under the heading 'Premier League Owners Test' were 'Terrorism, beheading, civil rights abuses, murder, censorship and persecution'.
The man in Arab-style clothes was likewise holding a sword with blood on it.
Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics took credit for the banner on Twitter, and provided a statement.
"The Saudi led takeover of Newcastle has appropriately gotten prevalent condemnation and anger," it stated.
"To provide the thumbs approximately this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the ladies's game and inclusive efforts such as rainbow armbands, reveals the overall hypocrisy at play and shows the league's soulless agenda where earnings defeat all."
The takeover was 80% financed by Saudi Arabia's Public Mutual fund (PIF), whose chair is Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
When authorizing the takeover, the Premier League stated it had received legal guarantees from the brand-new owners that the Saudi state would not manage Newcastle United and there would be charges if it was shown otherwise.
The fans group's declaration stated this choice "made a mockery" of the 'Owners and Directors' test.
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