Absolutely correct. Current players have no need to justify playing in honour of Bin Salman and his regime. They were blindsided and have no choice. Any new players will be asked the same questions as Howe was asked if they appear before the press, even in a choreographed interview. All the " no comments" and other evasions will be sufficiently eloquent to make many players think about all the other offers that might come their way, here and abroad. They will have to either pay way more than they should pay, in fees and wages, agent's fees and bonuses and end up with players who see a good quick buck to be made for keeping their mouths shut. Or, .........well maybe they can just threaten them with being drugged, chopped up and disposed of. Maybe Aston Villa, Everton, West Ham and the others around that level and in the market, might just seem quite attractive to some players. No hassle, similar money, possibly living in the south if that's a priority for Mrs Player, not in a relegation fight, not having to be the saviour. You can see why it might just swing the deal for many.
Questions are now being asked about Saudi and Qatar involvement with F1. Amnesty International, UK MPs, Green Party, etc. But of course it's all just a Mackem conspiracy. https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/55076984.amp
Something will happen to to tip the fragile public opinion against the Saudis. News of the Liverpool bombing is that it was an Iranian born failed asylum seeker who was responsible. imagine if that attack had been on Eldon Square, or The MetroCentre, and the Guy turned out to be Saudi born, it's not much of a stretch of the imagination. How would the local population be able to condemn a terrorist, while also supporting a terrorist nation.
It's ironic that the Newcastle 'chairman' isn't actually a board member which is very unusual to say the least. At some point Howe will have to be seen with him as will prospective signings. How can they do that then go and and 'take the knee' to protest against discrimination ... ... the Saudis have atrocities like mutilation and beheading enshrined in their legal system, it's not unsubstantiated internet rumours.
Armed coppers visibly on patrol in the Metro Center today according to me Mam who is through there now so it must be seen as a potential target when the thread level gets high enough.
This thread level? I know the scum are on here all the time but didn't realise the armed response unit also frequented
Think this is line with the national threat level being increased to severe... York have anti-terror bollards erected in the Shambles
A few days before the Liverpool taxi bombing we were told in our local press that Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet Village was going to be patrolled by Armed Police - the reason given was just that there were going to be more people out shopping. Oh, and it was nothing for us to worry about!