Plenty of Newcastle United fans were not impressed to hear remarks from the World Trade Organisation’s chief regarding the club’s £300m takeover.
Speaking to Andrew Marr on BBC’s Andrew Marr Show, Roberto Azevedo, who is the WTO’s director-general, could not confirm exactly when his company’s report into their investigations regarding beoutQ and it’s illegal activities and stressed that the “dispute” is still ongoing.
He added that his members have been asked to review this as a way of “depoliticising” and “reducing the tension” on such critical issues.
Do you think the PL will block our takeover?
Yes, 100%
Not a chance
The Guardian previously revealed that the WTO will point the finger at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), who could take 80% of shares on Tyneside if the deal goes through. But the findings could greatly influence the Premier League’s decision in giving the move the green light.
Considering his comments, supporters feared the worst about the takeover going through and made their feelings clear on social media. One fan believed that it was conclusively off, while another did not enjoy the remarks that Azevedo made.
Takeover off
— Norm (@westy19840) June 14, 2020
Doesn’t seem good
— Daryl Taylor (@darylbethyname) June 14, 2020
I hope I’m wrong and it still goes ahead but I’m 🥱 now and preparing for the worst and another season with MA
— Ian Solo (@IanSolo75) June 14, 2020
Can this be classed as a fakeover?
— Garry bell (@garybell007) June 14, 2020
Mmm I don’t like that. “How members are going to respond to those rulings is entirely up to them”
— Mark Scott (@MJScott2) June 14, 2020
They’ve finally got the reason they needed to block it now! 😡
— Simon Vaughan (@simmovaughan) June 14, 2020