“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.” 
― Aldous Huxley 

FIRST things first. Newcastle United’s loyal legions of supporters should not be expected to be the sole conscience when marshalling opposition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.  

Of course, unthinking support and ignorance is never the answer, and those fans blindly embracing such a murderous regime are embarrassing as they are ignorant, no matter how alienated they felt under previous owner Mike Ashley.  

But why should fans be the first point of call when resistance is required — and the first to be denigrated by mealy mouthed politicians if such actions are not forthcoming — when battling murderous and oppressive rulers who have an appalling record on human rights, including the subjugation of women and the dreadful treatment of the LGBTQ+ community?