THE Amnesty International Newcastle Group have issued a statement on the recent Saudi takeover of Newcastle United.

In the statement, a spokesman outlined how they are 'concerned' about the serious human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund.

Fan's were delighted when the Saudi-led consortium ended Mike Ashley's 14-year ownership of the club but its new owners have since faced criticism for their Human rights laws in Saudi Arabia.

While voicing their concerns on the takeover, A spokesman for Amnesty International said: "At the same time we understand and share Newcastle fans’ excitement at the ambitious plans of the new consortium and the meaningful investment expected to benefit the club, city and region.

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"Naturally we are pleased that the takeover has raised awareness of the human rights in Saudi Arabia and hope to continue this process by looking at the specific issues and what can be done about them, but also by seeking to understand the social context that has brought them about."

The group also hopes that with co-operation from people who support Newcastle United and the human rights movement they can jointly encourage the Saudi regime to make more decisive moves towards liberalisation including political and legal reforms.

A spokesman said: "We further endorse the view that neither the club, nor supporters’ groups nor the fans, in general, can be blamed for the takeover, but would ask all of them to carefully consider the implications of the human rights issues occurring in a country now inextricably linked in the public mind with Newcastle United F.C.

"Lastly we strongly oppose the UK government’s move to allow companies such as BAE Systems and others recommence the export of arms to Saudi Arabia for use in the disastrous civil war in Yemen."