Police Investigating ‘offensive’ Crystal Palace Banner

Police are investigating a banner (pictured) displayed by Crystal Palace fans on Saturday that criticised the recent takeover of Newcastle United.

Earlier this month a consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) alongside PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media completed the full £305m takeover of Newcastle. However, the takeover has received widespread criticism from organisations such as Amnesty International who have condemned the human rights record of Saudi Arabia under Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the chair of the PIF.

The banner at Palace, unveiled before the sides’ 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park, also took aim at the Premier League’s ownership test.

The Croydon Metropolitan Police confirmed on Twitter that they received a report of an “offensive banner displayed by Crystal Palace fans”.

On the banner, ‘terrorism, beheading, civil rights abuses, murder, censorship and persecution’ were ticked off on a clipboard under the heading ‘Premier League Owners Test’. Next to it stood a man, depicted to be Mohammed bin Salman, holding a sword with blood on it next to man understood to be Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters placed next to a pile of money covered in blood.

Palace fan group Holmesdale Fanatics have taken responsibility for the banner and released a statement criticising the Premier League and the reasonings behind the banner.

“The Premier League has chosen money over morals and in green lighting this deal, has done business with one of the world’s most bloody and repressive regimes” the statement said.

“To give the ‘thumbs up’ to this deal at a time when the Premier League is promoting the women’s game and inclusive initiatives such as rainbow armbands, shows the total hypocrisy at play and demonstrates the League’s soulless agenda where profits trump all.“

The Newcastle takeover was 80% financed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

However, the Premier League stated that they have received “legally binding” assurances that there was clear separation between PIF and the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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