Newcastle urge fans against wearing 'traditional Arabic clothing'

By Selcuk Bugra Gokalp

ANKARA (AA) - British football side Newcastle United asked fans on Wednesday to stop wearing "traditional Arabic clothing" and "Middle East-inspired head coverings" at its matches.

In guidelines published on the club's official website, Newcastle United said it was "kindly asking" supporters to refrain from wearing traditional Arabic clothing or Middle East-inspired head coverings at matches if they would not ordinarily wear such attire.

It added that none in the club's new ownership group had in any way been offended by "the attire of the fans who chose to celebrate in this way," which it said was seen as a gesture of "positive and welcoming" intent.

"However, there remains the possibility that dressing this way is culturally inappropriate and risks causing offence to others," it said, adding that "all visitors to the club are, as always, encouraged to wear whatever is the norm for their own culture or religion."

Some supporters of Newcastle were recently seen at its stadium, St. James' Park, wearing head coverings and robes after the announcement of the club's takeover led by the Public Investment Fund -- Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund.