Jamal Khashoggi poster outside Newcastle Stadium

Jamal Khashoggi poster outside St James’ Park before Newcastle match against Tottenham in first game since Saudi group bought Premier League club

A poster protesting the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi was seen outside St James’ Park today.

The message on the poster featured a picture of Khashoggi and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman before kick-off in the match between Newcastle and Tottenham.

It is the first game since the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), which has Salman as its chair, completed a £305million takeover of the Newcastle.

While there has been plenty of jubilation from fans of the Premier League side, as it means they now have the richest owners in the world, concerns have been raised over the human rights records of the owners.

The poster was there to serve as a reminder of the murder of journalist Khashoggi.

ALSO READ : Jamal Khashoggi: All you need to know about Saudi journalist’s death

The US-based journalist, and critic of Saudi Arabia’s government, was murdered in 2018 after walking into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey.

Western intelligence agencies believe the crown prince ordered his killing, which he has denied.

The Saudi state have been criticised for human rights abuses and the decision by the Premier League to allow the takeover was condemned by Amnesty International.

The Premier League approved the takeover after being given ‘legally binding assurances’ that the Saudi state would not control the club.

Banner organiser Blair McDougall posted on social media of the plans to protest before and during Newcastle’s game with Tottenham.

There is also plans to rent a more permanent space near the ground to continue displaying a poster of Jamal Khashoggi.

It’s obvious we haven’t heard the last from this takeover.