Newcastle United have been accused of hypocrisy after sending a message of support to gay footballer Jake Daniels.
The Premier League club were bought by a Saudi-led consortium last October, given the Gulf state’s human rights record and attitudes towards the LGBT community.
, becoming the first male professional footballer to do so in England for 32 years, the last being Justin Fashanu in 1990.
The 17-year-old has received overwhelming support from the football world and the wider community, praised for his bravery and courage as he said: ‘I am ready to tell people my story. I want people to know the real me.’
Newcastle posted their own supportive message, writing on Twitter: ‘ is for everyone. ?️?
‘Newcastle United and the whole football community is with you, Jake!’
While the sentiment of the tweet was well meaning, it was met with a significant backlash given the appalling state of LGBT rights in Saudi Arabia.
As the explains: ‘Saudi Arabia criminalises same-sex sexual activity between men and between women. The gender expression of trans people is also criminalised. Sentences include a maximum penalty of death.
‘There is evidence of the law being enforced in recent years, and LGBT people are regularly subjected to discrimination and violence.’
add: ‘Same-sex sexual activity is a crime in 70 countries, and can get you a death sentence in nine countries, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Sudan and Yemen.
‘Pride festivals are banned in several countries around the world, including Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uganda and most recently Turkey.’
Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund bought an 80% stake in Newcastle earlier this season.
As a result, it is no surprise that Newcastle’s tweet was met with cynicism and derision on the social media platform…
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